Cedric Jones Killed In Champaign Semi-Truck Accident On Interstate 74 By Mile Post 180

Truck Accident - January 21, 2022

Cedric Jones Died In Champaign Truck Accident Along Interstate 48 By Mile Post 180

Cedric Jones Killed In Champaign Semi-Truck Accident On Interstate 74 By Mile Post 180

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS (January 20, 2022) – A man identified as Cedric Jones has tragically died in a tractor trailer truck accident on Interstate 74 not far from mile post 180.

Champaign County police officials are saying that the collision took place around 9:10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 11th. Cedric Jones was walking when he was struck by a semi-truck traveling eastbound.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Cedric Jones was suffering from traumatic injuries from the collision.

Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, he could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.

Liability In Champaign Semi-Truck Accidents

Nearly 4,000 pedestrians are killed in collisions every year in the United States on average. Sadly, the pandemic has brought out the worst in many drivers, according to a new report by the Governors Highway Safety Association. In the first half of 2020 alone nearly 3,000 pedestrians were killed. This was due in large part to speeding and other dangerous driving habits. In all, there are many factors that could potentially contribute to a pedestrian collision.

  • Distracted driving
  • Poorly trained drivers
  • Inclement weather
  • Dangerous roadways
  • Driver fatigue

Operating a commercial truck is much more difficult than operating a passenger vehicle. For instance, commercial trucks take much longer to stop than passenger vehicles. A fully loaded commercial truck traveling at 60 mph can take the length of two football fields to stop. On top of this, truck drivers are put under a lot of stress that can impact their performance. According to one report by the FMCSA, nearly 1 in 10 truck drivers reported feeling under pressure from work as being a contributing factor in a fatal collision.

Truck drivers are held to a high standard in terms of safety and must take measures to avoid hitting pedestrians. 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 or intoxicated person. When a truck driver fails to exercise due care and strikes a pedestrian, they can be held accountable through a negligence claim.

If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. As a general rule, companies can be held liable for the negligent actions of their employees. However, many truck companies will try to evade liability for accidents by hiring truck drivers as independent contractors. In general, employers are not liable for the negligent actions of their independent contractors – unless the independent contractor was performing some type of non-delegable duty. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any truck accident.

  • Photos of the accident site should be taken.
  • Surveillance footage should be sought.
  • The truck driver should be interviewed.
  • Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
  • The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be examined. Many large commercial truck’s have EDRs which can offer a great deal of insight into the moments leading up to the crash.

The family of any person that died in a truck accident may be able to seek aid through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the unexpected expenses that often come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Sadly, though, truck companies will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for a truck accident and blame the victim. But the truth is even if a plaintiff is partially at fault for an accident, they may still have legal recourse. An experienced Illinois truck accident attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating A Champaign Semi-Truck Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Cedric Jones. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. It is our sincere hope that there is some accountability for the sake of all who have lost so much. The vast majority of pedestrian accidents are totally preventable.

Do you need more information about a Champaign truck accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any legal 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 an accident we are here for you. You’re always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.