Patricia Barnes Killed In McHenry Car Accident

Pedestrian Accident - March 29, 2024

Patricia Barnes, 73 Died In McHenry Car Accident With Pickup Truck

MCHENRY, ILLINOIS (March 29, 2024) – An elderly woman identified as Patricia Barnes has tragically died in a McHenry car accident by Elm Street and Oak Drive.

McHenry County officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:40 a.m. on Wednesday. Patricia Barnes was crossing the street when she was hit by a GMC Sierra pickup truck.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. She was taken to Northwestern Hospital in McHenry with critical injuries.

Despite the efforts of medical staff, Patricia Barnes died due to the severe nature of her injuries. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For McHenry Pedestrian Accidents

Elderly pedestrians tend to be at much greater risk of serious injury and death in pedestrian collisions. According to the Department of Transportation, “Pedestrians, ages 65 and older, are two to eight times more likely to die than younger people when struck by motor vehicles. This is partly because older people are often less physically resilient. Approximately 15 percent of pedestrians 65 and older die after being hit by a motor vehicle.” Cities should consider a number of measures to help prevent accidents with elderly pedestrians and those with more limited mobility.

• Improved Infrastructure: Cities should help create and maintain safe pedestrian infrastructure. This could include creating pedestrian islands.
• Traffic Calming Measures: Cities can install traffic calming measures to reduce instances of speeding. This might include installing raised crosswalks and speed bumps.
• Improved Street Lighting: Cities should ensure that crosswalks are well-lit. Many pedestrian collisions are due to drivers who did not see their victims.

All drivers have a legal obligation to obey all traffic and safety regulations. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, every driver must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. They must also use their horns when necessary and exercise the proper precautions to avoid colliding with any child or obviously confused person. When a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

Depending on the facts of any case, a city or municipal entity could be liable for a pedestrian collision. Cities could be liable for crashes caused by a dangerous condition on public property. For example, foliage may have obscured a stop sign meant to protect pedestrians. It is important that certain steps be taken after any pedestrian collision.

• Photos of the accident site should be taken.
• Surveillance footage should be sought.
• The history of collisions at any intersection should be understood.
• The police report for the crash should be collected.

Most pedestrian accidents are avoidable and involve some amount of driver error. Sadly, though, drivers will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility if they are involved in a fatal collision. This is why it is so important that evidence is properly preserved. At the end of the day, evidence will paint a clear picture of what happened, regardless of what any person may claim.

Investigating McHenry Pedestrian Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Patricia Barnes. Any person who may know more about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to make this intersection safer so that similar tragedies can be averted.

Do you need more information about a McHenry pedestrian accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that cities are doing everything in their power to keep pedestrians safe. Whether you just have questions or need a free, independent investigation into any accident, we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.