A suburban car wash in Hinsdale, Illinois, involved in a deadly crash in 2023 has filed for bankruptcy. On July 17, 2023, 14-year-old Sean Richards was critically injured and later died after being struck by a jeep exiting Fuller’s Car Wash. He was standing outside Fontano’s Subs at the time of the accident. Three people inside the restaurant were also injured by the vehicle or debris from the crash.
In October 2023, it was announced that no criminal charges would be filed against the 16-year-old driver involved. A joint investigation by the Hinsdale Police Department and the DuPage County State’s Attorney found that the teenager, who worked at the car wash, accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake while pulling out of the car wash tunnel. The investigation concluded that there was no intent to harm or reckless driving.
DuPage County cited the 16-year-old driver with three traffic offenses. In December 2023, Sean Richards’ family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Fuller’s Car Wash. Bradley M. Cosgrove, a partner at Clifford Law Offices, said, “There must be accountability for what occurred, not only for Sean and his family, but for everyone who frequents that area. This lawsuit sends a message to all business owners that safety must come first.”
The Fuller family, who owns the car wash, released a statement saying, “We pray for the Richards family and all those injured. The depth of this tragedy is felt daily by our family and employees. Our promise is to serve the community faithfully.”
On January 29, 2025, Clifford Law Offices announced that Fuller’s Car Wash filed for bankruptcy just hours before the responsible parties were scheduled for depositions in the wrongful death case. The Richards family released a statement reacting to the bankruptcy filing:
“We are not surprised. Since the day Fuller’s and its employee, Martin Contreras Jr., recklessly killed Sean, the Fullers have tried to avoid accountability. This pattern of behavior goes back at least 18 years, with similar incidents in 2007, 2009, and 2022, where Fuller’s was never held accountable. We have engaged experienced bankruptcy counsel and will follow their advice. The timing of the bankruptcy filing is suspicious, occurring just before depositions were scheduled. We are determined to seek the truth, accountability, and public safety.”
Read more: