Bryan Hager Killed In Crawford County Semi-Truck Accident On Route 33 Near 150 North
Truck Accident - November 12, 2022
Woman Injured, Bryan Hager, of Flat Rock, Died In Crawford County Semi-Truck Accident Along Route 33 Not Far From 150 North
CRAWFORD COUNTY, ILLINOIS (November 12, 2022) – A pedestrian from Flat Rock identified as Bryan Hager died in a Crawford County semi-truck accident on Route 33.
Crawford County police officials are saying that the accident took place early Thursday morning. Bryan Hager was walking with a woman when he was hit by a semi-truck driven by a man from Washington, Indiana.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help both of the victims. Despite life-saving efforts, Bryan Hager was pronounced dead at the scene.
An ambulance took the woman to the hospital in order to receive treatment for major injuries. The semi-truck involved in the deadly collision was towed from the scene for an investigation.
Police closed a portion of Route 33 for around 9 hours.
Liability For Crawford County Semi-Truck Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in semi-truck accidents. There are a number of factors commonly associated with truck accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “Elements that influence the occurrence of a crash may take place hours, days, or months before the crash. They include driver training and experience, vehicle design and manufacture, highway condition and traffic signaling, and weather conditions.” Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable to semi-trucks for many reasons.
- Pedestrians are small enough to completely disappear in the blind spots of a semi-truck.
- Pedestrians lack the protection of enclosed vehicles.
- Pedestrians often cross streets or walk in roadways that are poorly illuminated.
All semi-truck drivers will typically need to get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must abide by all rules and regulations set forth in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. For example, they must abstain from alcohol, drugs and other intoxicating substances. They must not work more hours than would be allowed. Their hours must be properly logged and accounted for. They must also take periodic breaks during their shift.
All truck drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians in the roadway. Pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/11-601(a), all drivers must reduce their speed when necessary in order to avoid collisions. It can be considered unsafe for a truck driver to travel at the speed limit during times of inclement weather or reduced visibility. If a truck driver failed to reduce their speed and hit a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are many steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- The truck’s event data recorder should be examined.
The physical evidence left behind at the scene of a collision can help paint a clear picture of what happened regardless of what any driver says. For example, a lack of skid marks in the roadway may indicate that a truck driver failed to break before hitting a pedestrian. Sadly, truck companies will often fight extremely hard to deny liability after any collision. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly maintained after a crash.
Investigating A Crawford County Semi-Truck Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Bryan Hager. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victims family. It is our sincere hope that the woman injured in this crash will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police.
Do you need more information about a Crawford County semi-truck accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any accident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
