A veteran Joliet police officer is facing a DUI charge following a Sunday collision on Interstate 55 near Plainfield, which resulted in the death of her passenger, a Berwyn police officer. Erin L. Zilka, 35, has been charged with a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence after her Dodge Durango crashed into a stationary box truck, which was obstructing two right lanes of traffic due to a previous accident involving a pickup truck, according to Illinois State Police.
Zilka, a Joliet police officer, and her passenger, Charles Schauer, 33, were both off-duty during the accident, which occurred around 6 a.m. on southbound I-55 just north of U.S. Route 30, state police stated. Zilka's attorney, Jeff Tomczak, mentioned that her blood-alcohol test was below the legal limit, though he did not provide specific numbers. He added that Zilka was friends with Schauer and was in "a really bad way." "She's absolutely devastated to a degree I can't express verbally," Tomczak said.
Work Cited: Sun-Times Wire. "Joliet police officer charged with DUI in I-55 crash that killed her passenger, a Berwyn police officer."
As anyone who has been through it knows, the personal injury litigation process can be extremely complex, costly, and time-consuming. That's why, when you're looking for a law firm to handle your case, it's important to find one you can trust to provide the experienced, aggressive, and compassionate representation you deserve.
At The Tomczak Law Group, we have years of experience taking on some of the biggest corporations, municipalities, trucking companies, and insurance groups. We've successfully represented countless clients and secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. In fact, we've achieved several recent notable case results:
Automobile Accident for soft tissue injuries
Nurse Malpractice involving child’s finger(s) loss
This case was declined in writing by one of the largest and most respected law firms in Chicago. Like we always tell our clients – EXPERIENCE & RESULTS matter and so should YOUR case!
Verdict for an Car Accident Shoulder injury
RECORD Will County SETTLEMENT – Joliet asphalt maker to pay widow more than $3 million
Civil Rights Lawsuit filed for a man shot by the Joliet Police Department
If you have been the victim of a personal injury, it is crucial that you have an experienced and trustworthy legal team on your side. At Tomczak Law Group, we take pride in the high-quality legal representation and personalized attention we provide to our clients.
We will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve. With our experience and resources, we will fight for your rights and get you the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a free consultation.
When you're in need of an attorney who will fight for your rights, look no further than The Tomczak Law Group.
With offices located throughout Will County and nearby areas including Joliet (just outside Chicago), our team has successfully represented clients across this wide-ranging terrain from criminal defense matters all the way down to personal injury claims--with only one goal: To ensure justice is served!