An Illinois State Police trooper is recovering after being struck by an alleged drunk driver while assisting a stranded motorist on Interstate 88 (Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway) early Sunday morning.
The incident occurred around 4:00 a.m. on August 17, 2025, in the westbound lanes of I-88 at milepost 139 in DuPage County. According to Illinois State Police (ISP), the trooper had parked with emergency lights activated behind a disabled tractor-trailer on the shoulder. While attending to the situation, a Tesla driven by 24-year-old Sebastian G. Rodriguez of Romeoville failed to move over and crashed into the rear passenger side of the squad car.
The impact caused the police cruiser to lurch forward and collide with the back of the semi-truck.
Rodriguez, the Tesla driver, has been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Aggravated Violation of Scott’s Law, also known as the Move Over Law. Both he and the injured trooper were transported to nearby hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The trooper’s vehicle sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene.
The incident is part of a concerning trend on Illinois highways. So far in 2025, there have already been nine Move Over Law-related crashes involving emergency vehicles. In 2024, ISP recorded 27 such crashes, which resulted in 12 troopers injured and one trooper killed.
Illinois’ Scott’s Law, often referred to as the Move Over Law, requires drivers to:
Slow down and change lanes, if possible, when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights
Exercise due caution, even if unable to switch lanes due to traffic or road conditions
Violating Scott’s Law—especially under the influence of alcohol—can lead to severe criminal penalties, including felony charges, license suspension, and significant fines.
At Haggard Crime Victim Attorney, a division of The Haggard Law Firm, we stand with law enforcement officers and their families who suffer life-altering injuries due to someone else’s reckless or impaired driving. When officers are struck while performing their duty, it’s more than a violation of the law—it’s an avoidable tragedy.
We help victims:
Pursue civil compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses
Investigate if there were third-party contributors, such as a bar or restaurant that overserved the driver
Navigate both the criminal and civil legal systems to ensure all avenues of justice are pursued
Crashes involving Scott’s Law violations are highly preventable, and DUI-related violations increase the risk to emergency responders. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a drunk driver who failed to yield to an emergency vehicle, you have the right to seek compensation and accountability.
These cases can be complex, requiring a detailed understanding of traffic law, impairment standards, and civil injury claims. Our firm has the experience and dedication to pursue these cases aggressively on behalf of victims and their families.
If you or someone you know has been hurt or killed in a crash involving a drunk driver or a Move Over Law violation, don’t wait to take legal action. Contact Haggard Crime Victim Attorney today for a free and confidential consultation.
Our team will fight to ensure that you receive the justice, compensation, and answers you deserve.
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