The estate of a Mundelein woman hit and killed by the driver of a FedEx truck in Gurnee has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Lake County Court, claiming the driver was distracted by his cell phone before fleeing the scene of the fatal crash.
The lawsuit names Federal Express and Pipes Delivery Corporation as defendants, along with driver Javier R. Contreras-Bulnes, who was behind the wheel of the truck at the time of the crash.
The lawsuit explains that Pipes Delivery is the Illinois corporation that delivers packages with “FedEx” logos, licensing and markings.
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages for wrongful death, pain and suffering, and looks to recoup funeral expenses for the death of Amber Knowles.
Waukegan attorneys Gibson Steigauf have been retained to represent Knowles’ estate, the lawsuit reads.
Attorneys said in the lawsuit that Contreras-Bulnes negligently used his cell phone while driving, causing him to improperly leave his designated lane of travel, cross the center line, then fatally strike Amber.
The Gurnee Police Department and Gurnee Fire Department responded around 8:04 p.m. on April 2 to the area of Delany Road and Sunset Avenue for a report of a vehicle crash with injuries.
A Lake County sheriff’s deputy came upon the scene and found a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said.
The female victim, later identified as Knowles, 33, of Mundelein, was unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene, according to Gurnee Fire Department Battalion Chief James Gramer.
Gramer said Knowles was found lying in the roadway on Delany Road south of Sunset Avenue.
An alert was broadcast to area police departments reporting that the vehicle involved in the crash had fled the scene.
The vehicle reportedly sustained heavy front-end damage, and a description was provided for officers to be on the lookout.
Gurnee Police Department Public Information Officer Shawn Gaylor initially said that the vehicle involved, a Ford E-450 truck, had pulled off the roadway into a business following the crash.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Elizabeth Cannon said the incident was a hit-and-run, and the driver of the Ford, identified as Contreras-Bulnes, 27, of Gurnee, did not remain at the scene.
Contreras-Bulnes waited 46 minutes from the time he struck Knowles to the time he approached the police to report that he hit something, authorities said.
Knowles appeared to be crossing Delany Road when she was struck in an area not in a crosswalk.
The Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) was called to the scene to conduct an investigation.
Officers shut down both directions of Delany Road from Sunset Avenue to Ryan Road for several hours for the investigation.
The family of Knowles previously held a candlelight vigil at Delany Road and Ryan Road two days after the crash.
The woman’s sister, Joslyn Knowles, said Amber Knowles was “an amazing person” and did not deserve what happened.
She also said her sister knew how to brighten the room with her “cool smooth personality.”
Gaylor said the MCAT investigation concluded after an extensive analysis of the scene, a review of vehicle data and an examination of digital evidence.
“Investigators ultimately determined that distracted driving played a significant role in the crash,” Gaylor said.
Contreras-Bulnes was charged Jan. 12 with two felony counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving death and one felony count of aggravated use of an electronic communication device causing death.
Cannon said Contreras-Bulnes was driving at 40 mph in the truck when he struck Knowles.
Video evidence showed the driver made multiple phone calls and then got back into his truck and moved around after the crash occurred, Cannon said.
He spoke to another person before even contacting the police, Cannon said.
“This case represents a heartbreaking loss for the victim’s family and loved ones,” Gurnee Police Chief Jeremy Gaughan said.
“While nothing can undo their pain, we hope these charges bring a sense of resolution and accountability. Our officers and investigators worked tirelessly to ensure this case was thoroughly investigated and that justice could be pursued,” Gaughan said.
“This incident serves as a difficult reminder of how dangerous distracted driving can be. A brief glance at a phone can change lives forever. We continue to urge drivers to put their phones down and give their full attention to the road,” he added.
The Gurnee Police Department said they continue to stress the dangers of distracted driving.
“Using a cellphone while driving significantly reduces reaction time and awareness, putting pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists at risk. Nationally, distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatal crashes,” Gaylor said.
“The police department remains committed not only to enforcing the law but to preventing tragedies like this through education, enforcement, and community awareness,” she added.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office did not file a petition to detain Contreras-Bulnes pending trial. He is due back in court on March 6.
Prosecutors said they took his lack of a criminal background into consideration when deciding not to seek detention.