THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2008

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Collision Claims Life Of Biker

By TOM ROBB

Journal Reporter

Motorcyclist Mateusz Chojecki died last week from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident on Milwaukee Avenue in Niles on Thursday, May 1.

Chojecki was hit by a car driven by an unidentified 21-year-old woman while riding his 2007 motorcycle in the 6900 block of Milwaukee Avenue near Ebinger Drive.

As the driver of the auto was making a left turn crossing the northwest-bound lanes of Milwaukee to the southeast-bound lanes, Chojecki approached striking the side of the car.

On impact, Chojecki, who was not wearing a helmet, was thrown from his bike. He was transported to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Hts. where he later died. Both drivers were cited in the accident. The driver of the car was cited for failure to yield turning left and for being unable to produce proof of insurance. Chojecki was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

The accident was only the second investigation by the newly-formed Major Crash Assistance Team. The team is similar to the Major Crimes Assistance Team and responds to major traffic incidents, providing more resources and expertise in investigating traffic incidents.

Three rotating teams stand on call to respond to incidents throughout the Northern Suburbs. Teams are coordinated through the Northbrook Police Dept. but are made up of officers of participating departments. The teams came on line in March of this year but have been in the planning stages for about a year.

Northbrook Police Sgt. Joel Reyes headed planning for the Major Crash Assistance Teams.