Lake County, IL (August 14, 2025) – A 79-year-old woman was left in critical condition Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a car on Big Hollow Rd near Leonard Ave, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to the scene shortly before 2:00 p.m. and found the woman suffering from severe injuries.
Medics and fire crews worked to assist those suffering from injuries after the collision. Authorities reported that the victim had been walking in the roadway when she was struck by an eastbound Nissan Altima driven by a 41-year-old woman from Wood Dale. A small child in the back seat of the vehicle was unharmed, as was the driver.
Investigators said evidence at the scene showed the driver attempted to swerve to avoid hitting the woman but was unable to do so. The injured pedestrian was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Police noted that the victim may have memory issues and had left her home without her caretaker’s knowledge. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Technical Crash Investigations Team is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Our thoughts are with the injured woman and her loved ones during this difficult time.
Pedestrian Accidents in Lake County
Pedestrian-involved crashes can have devastating outcomes, particularly for elderly individuals who are more vulnerable to severe injury. Rural and suburban stretches like Big Hollow Rd often lack sidewalks or designated pedestrian crossings, increasing the risk of collisions.
In 2024, Lake County saw dozens of serious pedestrian accidents, many of which occurred on roads without clear pedestrian infrastructure. Factors such as limited visibility, speed, and pedestrian unpredictability can contribute to these incidents.
For drivers, staying alert and reducing speed in areas where pedestrians may be present is essential, even if no crosswalk is visible. For vulnerable individuals, caregiver awareness and safety planning can be crucial in preventing such tragedies.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a pedestrian-related crash, contact Local Accident Reports for guidance and resources to support your recovery.
