Losing a loved one in a motor vehicle accident is devastating. The grief and confusion that follow are overwhelming, especially when the circumstances of the crash are unclear. Unfortunately, police reports don’t always tell the full story, particularly in wrongful death cases, where the victim is unable to share their side of events.
This was the reality for the Muransky family, who lost their husband and father, John Muransky, in a tragic highway accident in 2023. Their case demonstrates why hiring a lawyer right away can be a game-changer.
Initially, the police report painted John as the at-fault driver in a rear-end collision with a semi-truck. However, thanks to the Muransky family’s swift action in calling Pullano & Siporin, our experienced attorneys were able to preserve the defendant’s truck, hire an accident reconstruction expert, download the truck’s event recorder, and interview eyewitnesses while the events were still fresh in their minds. We cannot win this case on behalf of our clients without the above evidence, which we were able to obtain thanks to our clients contacting us within days of the crash.
A Tragic Crash and the Pursuit of Truth
On July 8, 2023, 63-year-old John Muransky was driving home to the south suburbs of Chicago after attending a White Sox game with two friends. As he traveled southbound on I-294, he followed several car lengths behind a semi-tractor truck driving without a trailer.
According to the police report, as they approached the exit for Illinois Route 394 South, the semi-truck made a late lane change, cutting across the gore area to stay on I-294.
John, traveling slightly behind the truck, also attempted a late lane change, but his front bumper struck the back of the semi-truck. The impact caused John to lose control of his vehicle, sending him across four lanes of traffic before crashing into the concrete barrier. Sadly, Mr. Muransky was pronounced dead at the scene.
At first glance, the police report pointed to Mr. Muransky as the sole cause of the crash, as in rear-end accidents, the trailing driver is typically presumed to be at fault. Furthermore, the trucking company denied any responsibility, claiming their driver had done nothing wrong.
Swift Action Secures Crucial Evidence
Time is critical in wrongful death trucking investigations. As soon as the Muransky family reached out to our legal team at Pullano & Siporin, we began an independent investigation before any crucial evidence could be lost or destroyed.
Our first steps included issuing “Preserve and Protect” letters to the trucking company and insurer to ensure the semi-truck was not moved or altered before we could inspect it. We then hired accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash scene and assess vehicle damage. Additionally, we interviewed eyewitnesses while their memories were fresh, gathering crucial firsthand accounts that would play a key role in uncovering the truth.
The Evidence That Changed the Narrative
One eyewitness provided a critical piece of evidence, the semi-truck’s rear brake lights and turn signals were not functioning at the time of the crash. This single detail completely shifted the narrative. Without working lights, John had no way of anticipating the truck’s movements, leaving him with little chance to avoid the collision.
Our independent inspection confirmed this finding, as expert testing of the truck’s lighting system revealed that the rear lights were indeed non-functional at the time of the accident. This tragic crash could have been prevented if the trucking company had properly maintained its vehicle.
The Importance of a Skilled Legal Team
Because the Muransky family took swift action, our experienced legal team at Pullano & Siporin was able to preserve crucial evidence, challenge the flawed police report, and expose the trucking company’s negligence. Through meticulous investigation and expert analysis, we built an irrefutable case, proving the actual cause of the crash.
With this undeniable evidence, we fought tirelessly on behalf of John and his family, ultimately securing a full $1 million policy limit settlement to ensure they received the justice they were entitled to.
This case is a powerful reminder that police reports aren’t always accurate, and trucking companies will often deny responsibility, even when their negligence is the direct cause of a fatal crash. Acting quickly to preserve critical evidence early can mean the difference between justice served and a case dismissed.
How Pullano & Siporin Can Help
At Pullano & Siporin, we understand the emotional and financial hardships families face after losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. We know that while no amount of money can replace a loved one, wrongful death claims can provide financial stability, hold negligent parties accountable, and prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
Thanks to the determination of his family and our relentless legal team, John Muransky’s story didn’t end with a flawed police report. We uncovered the truth and ensured that his legacy was honored with justice.
With over 50 years of combined experience, our experienced team of personal injury attorneys at Pullano & Siporin has successfully represented families in wrongful death cases in Illinois, ensuring they receive justice and fair compensation.
Justice for Your Loved One Starts Here
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Our dedicated wrongful death personal injury attorneys are here to fight for your family’s rights and ensure justice is served.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and together, we will fight for the justice and financial security your family deserves.
