Jose A. Perez Killed in Troy Township Car Accident
A 20-year-old woman was also hospitalized following the three-vehicle collision on Interstate 55
Jose A. Perez, 21, of Shorewood, was killed in a three-vehicle accident on Interstate 55 near Black Road in Troy Township, Illinois, on April 26, according to the State Police.
The multi-vehicle collision occurred in the southbound lanes at milepost 254.5 shortly after 5 a.m. Emergency crews pronounced one person dead at the scene and transported a 20-year-old woman to a local hospital for treatment.
Authorities closed all southbound lanes for several hours, diverting traffic at U.S. Route 30. The highway reopened around 11:20 a.m.
The Will County Coroner's Office scheduled an autopsy for the following day. The crash remains under investigation.
What caused the three-vehicle crash on Interstate 55?
Police are investigating the crash that killed Perez. Details on the exact sequence of events are limited, but authorities will likely examine skid marks, vehicle damage, and witness statements to determine how the collision happened. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death. When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist."
Families who lose a loved one in a crash like the one that killed Perez often face immediate financial and emotional burdens while waiting for official crash reports to be finalized.
How do investigators determine who is at fault in multi-vehicle collisions?
Insurance adjusters often contact people involved in a crash within days, before the full extent of fault is established. National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal. "In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide victims and families of victims through what can be a complicated process."
Perez is among the people killed in Illinois traffic crashes. In 2025, Illinois recorded 1,177 traffic deaths, according to preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Illinois wrongful death statute
Under 740 ILCS 180, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Illinois applies modified comparative fault (50% bar). The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of society, and grief.