Raziyeh Sigar Killed in Winnetka Pedestrian Accident
Raziyeh Sigar, 58, was killed in a pedestrian accident on Church Road near Meadow Road in Winnetka, Illinois, on Friday evening, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Office. the crash also left 37-year-old Sediqeh Samadi dead and an infant in critical condition.
Around 6 p.m., a vehicle heading south on Church Road struck the victims, including the infant in a stroller, at the corner of Meadow Road, outside the Indian Hill Club golf course. Staff members from the club heard the crash and rushed to help.
Sigar was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Samadi died at the scene. The infant was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. The driver and passenger in the vehicle were also transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Families in the area frequently walk through the neighborhood. On Saturday, residents gathered to add flowers to a growing roadside memorial along Church Road. Mia Sachs, a local resident, described the neighborhood as "family-focused" and expressed the community's shock and sadness.
Police said there is no indication of foul play. The Cook County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash. Anyone with information is asked to call sheriff's police detectives at 708-765-4896.
The loss of Sigar has left her family and the Winnetka community in deep grief. For families facing such a sudden and tragic loss, understanding the legal avenues available can be a daunting task.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street, regardless of whether they are in a marked crosswalk."
What do investigators look for in a pedestrian collision?
Investigators from the Cook County Sheriff's Office will examine various factors, including driver speed, potential distractions, and road conditions at the time of the collision. They will also review any available surveillance footage and interview witnesses to piece together the exact sequence of events. The presence of an infant in a stroller also adds a critical dimension to the investigation, focusing on visibility and driver awareness.
How can families protect their rights after a fatal pedestrian accident?
When a pedestrian accident results in a death, the legal process can be complex for grieving families. National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal. "Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family through this difficult time while protecting their rights." This guidance often involves navigating insurance claims, understanding liability, and preserving important evidence that could be vital for a wrongful death claim.
Pedestrian death remain a serious concern across the nation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,080 pedestrians died in traffic crashes on public roads in 2024. In Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reported 202 pedestrian death in 2024, with pedestrian crashes accounting for a disproportionate 19.7% of all fatal crashes statewide.
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.