Illinois man charged with causing fatal accident sued by survivor, victim's mother

By Jim Greene

Published on October 25, 2005

The suit, which asks more than $50,000 in damages, was filed by Eric Noe and the mother of Matthew Buckingham, and accuses Nicholas Jancovic of being drunk when he drove his car into a utility pole on Aug. 6, then fled the scene on foot. Noe was seriously injured and Buckingham died at the scene.

Jancovic was apprehended nine hours later at his home. He faces two counts of failure to report an accident involving personal injury or death and two counts of leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury or death. He could go to prison for up to 12 years if convicted on all counts.

The suit also names the State Street Pub and the North Side Tap, for serving Jancovic alcohol before the 2:30 a.m. accident.

Jancovic, who is free on $50,000 bail, could not be reached for comment. His attorney said he has not seen the lawsuit, so could not comment.

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