Lincolnwood, IL — January 6, 2026, a pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run accident involving a tow truck at about 6:30 a.m. in the 4200 block of Touhy Avenue.

Authorities said a red tow truck hit a pedestrian while heading west near the intersection with Kildare Avenue. It continued driving after the collision.

The pedestrian, a man whose name has not been made public yet, died after being transported to a nearby hospital, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Cook County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When people hear that a tow truck struck and killed someone, then drove off without stopping, the natural response is disbelief. How does something like that happen? And how can we be sure we're getting the full story?

At this point, the only confirmed detail is that a red tow truck hit a pedestrian and then left the scene. That fact alone raises serious concerns, but there are still plenty of unanswered questions about what led up to the crash. Was the pedestrian crossing the street, walking along the shoulder or standing still? Was it dark or foggy at the time? Was the tow truck already responding to a call or simply passing through the area?

We also don’t know whether anyone has located the vehicle or identified the driver. Until that happens, it's impossible to evaluate whether the driver even knew they hit someone. In my experience, that kind of uncertainty often gets cleared up by examining the vehicle's condition, reviewing traffic camera footage or talking to nearby businesses that may have security cameras pointed toward the street. That sort of evidence can often show exactly what the driver saw, or should have seen.

But even if the truck is found, another critical issue will be determining who owns it. Tow trucks can be operated by independent contractors, small local outfits or national fleet companies. Each of those possibilities brings different legal duties and oversight responsibilities. Depending on who put this vehicle on the road, there may be questions about driver training, employment history and whether the company had any business allowing this person behind the wheel in the first place.

The bottom line is that right now, very little has been confirmed beyond the fatal outcome and the fact that someone fled the scene. That’s not enough to draw conclusions, but it is enough to warrant a thorough, independent investigation.

Key Takeaways:

• It's not yet clear what the pedestrian was doing at the time of the crash or how visible they may have been.
• Identifying the driver and vehicle is essential before any real accountability can begin.
• Tow trucks may be operated by individuals, small businesses or large companies, each with different legal responsibilities.
• Surveillance footage, vehicle damage and ownership records could all help piece together what happened.
• An independent investigation will be key to determining who is ultimately responsible.