Shorewood Crash Victim's Family Awarded $2M By Judge

SHOREWOOD, IL — Will County Judge Roger Rickmon has ordered 21-year-old Joliet resident Christian Rodriguez to pay $2 million to the family of Joni Hilger. The 66-year-old Shorewood woman died when she was hit by a car as she crossed Black Road on June 4, 2020.

"It's a very sad case, and it's compounded by a young man who didn't have any insurance to compensate the family of his actions," Joliet attorney Frank Cservenyak told Patch.

Judge Rickmon issued his ruling last week in the 2020 wrongful death lawsuit filed against Rodriguez by Thomas Hilger and other surviving family members of Joni Hilger. Their lawsuit was filed by Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol.

Rodriguez did not show up at the Will County Courthouse for the court proceedings in the wrongful death lawsuit brought against him, Cservenyak said.

Joliet Patch asked Cservenyak if he hopes to collect the $2 million judgment against Rodriguez, who was indicted by a Will County grand jury Thursday on felony charges of reckless conduct and aggravated use of an electronic communication device.

"If he ever gets a job and a house, he has to deal with me," Cservenyak told Patch.

According to the lawsuit's proof of damages, Cservenyak asked for $1 million for Thomas Hilger, the surviving spouse who was married for 43 years to Joni Hilger; $500,000 for their son, Steve; and $500,000 for their daughter, Trisha.

The lawsuit stated that Joni Hilger was struck and killed by a motor vehicle while on a walk.

"Prior to her death, Joni was an active, energetic, giving and vibrant 66-year-old wife, mother of two and grandmother of six," court documents reflect. "Joni donated countless hours participating in events for the residents of the Timbers of Shorewood and also at the public library.

"Joni also dedicated her last six years to her grandchildren, from watching them and playing with them to walking them to school every day."

The lawsuit stated that "Joni Hilger suffered ... multiple fractures of the extremities and head from the violent impact of being thrown 7 to 10 feet. My wife and I did everything together and relied upon each other for support.

"My adult children, Steve and Trisha, and I have had our lives changed forever."

At the time of Joni Hilger's death, Rodriguez was 19 years old. A review of his Will County court records shows he has been cited for the following traffic violations:

• Nov. 3, 2017, Speeding 70 mph in a 40 mph on Route 59, issued by Shorewood police
• Feb. 6, 2018, Improper use of electronic communication device on Black Road and Summit Creek, issued by Shorewood police
• July 31, 2020, Operating uninsured motor vehicle, West Jefferson Street and Barney Road, issued by Joliet police
• Aug. 20, 2020, operating a motor vehicle while using an electronic communication device, Route 59 and Lockport Street, issued by Plainfield police

On Friday, Cservenyak said he was not surprised that felony charges have been filed against Rodriguez, who lives in the 100 block of Joliet's Catherine Street.

"I knew something was in the works," Cservenyak said.

Cservenyak said that national studies have shown that distracted driving is even more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol.

On Friday, Shorewood Deputy Police Chief Jason Barten said that officers are in the process of locating Rodriguez to arrest him, as his bail stands at $50,000.

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Joliet Man Charged In Shorewood Woman's Black Road Death

Obituary: Joni Hilger