Vesmo Banks Killed In Chicago Semi-Truck Accident
Truck Accident - January 17, 2024
25-Year-Old Suspect, Vesmo Banks, Died In Austin, Chicago Semi-Truck Accident Following Police Pursuit on South Cicero Avenue
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (January 17, 2023) – A 25-year-old man identified as Vesmo Banks has tragically died in a Chicago hit-and-run semi-truck accident on South Cicero Avenue.
Cook County officials are saying that the accident took place on December 12. Police were pursuing Vesmo Banks on suspicion that he was driving a stolen vehicle.
At some point during the encounter, the suspect exited his vehicle and led police on a brief foot pursuit. He jumped over a fence and was crossing a street before being hit by a semi-truck.
Vesmo Banks was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital where he later died due to his injuries. The driver of the semi-truck left the scene and is still being sought by police.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Chicago Semi-Truck Accidents
Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable to the hazards posed by semi-trucks. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked in the first place. According to the IIHS, “A total of 4,714 people died in large truck crashes in 2021, a 17 percent increase compared with 2020. Sixteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 68 percent were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 15 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists.” There are a number of reasons that semi-trucks can be particularly dangerous.
- Semi-trucks have a large breaking distance. A fully loaded semi-truck traveling at 65 mph can take the length of two football fields to come to a stop.
- Semi-trucks have a wide turning radius which can increase the odds of underride collisions.
- Semi-trucks have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of smaller vehicles and pedestrians.
All truck drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. 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 horn when necessary and exercise the proper precaution to avoid colliding with any child or obviously confused person. If a truck driver fails to slow down in order to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any case, the company that a truck driver worked for could face liability for the wrongful actions of their driver. In general, employers are liable for the tortious conduct of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course of their job duties. For example, a truck driver may have been delivering packages when they were involved in a crash. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any truck accident.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
When a driver fails to stop after an injury collision, they could face criminal as well as civil liability for their actions. Sadly, though, it is all too common for truck companies to deny liability if any of their drivers is involved in a fatal collision. The family of any person that died in a semi-truck accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. A personal injury attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Chicago Semi-Truck Accidents
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Vesmo Banks. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. The semi-truck driver involved in this crash should do the right thing and come forward. It is never too late to do the right thing.
Do you need more information about a Chicago semi-truck accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions. 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.
