Colin Bane Killed In McLean County Semi-Truck Accident At Illinois 9 and 2600 East Roads
Truck Accident - May 22, 2022
Colin Bane, of Gibson City, Died In McLean County Semi-Truck Accident By The Intersection of Illinois 9 and 2600 East Roads
MCLEAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS (May 22, 2022) – A 17-year-old from Gibson City identified as Colin Bane was killed in a McLean County semi-truck accident by Illinois 9 and 2600 East Roads.
McLean County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Colin Bane was in a car when he was hit by a semi-truck that drove through a stop sign.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Sadly, Colin Bane died due to the severity of his injuries.
The 28-year-old semi-truck driver involved in the crash was cited for failure to obey a stop sign. A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In McLean County Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks are involved in approximately 4,000 fatal collisions every year in the United States. According to one study from the FMCSA, there were three critical events that proceeded the vast majority of truck accidents that they studied. The truck driver ran out of room in their travel lane. The truck driver lost control of their vehicle due to speeding, cargo shift, poor road conditions or vehicle systems failure. The truck driver collided with the rear of another vehicle traveling in their own lane. There are a number of factors that make semi-truck particularly dangerous to smaller vehicles.
- A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 lbs. Even a low impact collision can be catastrophic.
- Due to their weight, it can take a semi-truck the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop at freeway speeds.
- Truck drivers are often required to work long hours and may become dangerously fatigued.
All semi-truck drivers must get a commercial license and are therefore held to a high standard in terms of safety. The vast majority of truck accidents involve one or more drivers that commit traffic infractions. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1204(b), the driver of any vehicle must obey all stop signs. They must stop at the stop sign before entering the crosswalk or, if there is no crosswalk, at a marked stop line. There is a presumption of negligence against any driver that hits another vehicle after going past a yield sign without yielding.
If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. Generally speaking, employers are liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within their job duties. A truck company could also be liable for a crash if a truck driver lack the proper credentials or license to operate their vehicle. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any truck accident.
- The employment status of the truck driver should be understood.
- A truck driver may need to be tested for drugs or alcohol.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be examined.
When a truck driver is negligent and kills another driver, they can be held to account for their actions. The family of any victim that died may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, truck companies will often fight hard to deny liability for any accident involving their drivers. That is why it is so important that evidence is preserved after any accident.
Investigating A McLean County Semi-Truck Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Colin Bane. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. There are a number of questions that need to be answered. What was this truck driver doing prior to the crash? Were they distracted? Did they have the proper license for their truck?
Do you need more information about a McLean County semi-truck accident? Our team of consumer 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 questions about the law or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.