Bicyclist Injured In Hancock County Semi-Truck Accident On Illinois 94
Truck Accident - October 6, 2024
Bicyclist Airlifted After Hancock County Semi-Truck Accident on Illinois 94 East of North County Road 2200
HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS (October 6, 2024) – A bicyclist rider was seriously injured in a Hancock County tractor-trailer truck accident on Illinois 94.
Hancock County officials are saying that the collision took place around 4:17 p.m. on Saturday. A bicyclist was heading down the road when they were hit by a semi-truck.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. They were airlifted to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
It remains unclear if the semi-truck driver involved in the crash will face any charges or citations. A full investigation remains ongoing this time.
Liability For Hancock County Semi-Truck Accidents
Bicyclists are uniquely vulnerable to the hazards posed by motor vehicles. They are increasingly involved in fatal collisions. According to the IIHS, “A total of 1,084 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles in 2022, the highest number ever recorded. Bicyclist deaths have increased 8% since 1975, and have increased 75% since reaching their lowest point in 2010. Most bicyclist deaths in 2022 (89%) were among people age 20 and older.” Semi-trucks can be very dangerous for a number of reasons.
- Semi-trucks have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of bicyclists and smaller vehicles.
- Semi-trucks can weigh 80,000 lbs when they are fully loaded.
- Semi-trucks can have a wide turning radius that can increase the likelihood of side-impact collisions.
Semi-truck drivers must obtain a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, every driver must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or bicyclist. They must also use their horns when necessary and exercise the proper precautions to avoid colliding with any child or obviously confused person. If a truck driver fails to slow down in order to avoid a collision, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. It is crucial that evidence is properly preserved after any collision.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be collected.
- The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be reviewed.
- Accident reconstruction may need to be performed.
If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, truck companies will often hire their drivers as “independent contractors” in order to avoid direct liability for any crash. Any person injured in a semi-truck accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Illinois Semi-Truck Accidents
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to the cyclist injured in this Hancock County semi-truck accident. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the Illinois State Police. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of the victim.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Hancock County semi-truck accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of bicycle accident attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. 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 any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
