Amber Knowles Killed In Gurnee Car Accident

Truck Accident - April 4, 2025

Amber Knowles, 33, of Mundelein, Died In Gurnee Car Accident With Ford E450 Truck By Delany Road and Sunset Avenue

GURNEE, ILLINOIS (April 4, 2024) – A 33-year-old woman identified as Amber Knowles has tragically died in a Gurnee car accident by Delany Road and Sunset Avenue.

Lake County officials are saying that the accident took place around 8:00 PM on Wednesday. Amber Knowles was struck by a Ford E450 truck near the intersection.

The crash was initially reported as a hit-and-run. But it was later determined that the truck driver pulled into a nearby business and remained at the scene.

Paramedics were called in order to help the victim. Despite lifesaving measures, Amber Knowles died due to the severe nature of her injuries.

A full investigation into all of the circumstances leading up to the fatal gurney truck accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Gurnee Truck Accidents

Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable to the hazards posed by trucks and other larger vehicles. According to National Public Radio, “Vehicles with higher front ends and blunt profiles are 45% more likely to cause fatalities in crashes with pedestrians than smaller cars and trucks, according to new research published Tuesday by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.” Given the increased danger that trucks can pose to pedestrians, truck drivers should take a number of measures in order to help keep them safe.

• Blind Spots: Truck drivers should check their blind spots before making turns at intersections and pulling out onto the road.
• Scanning: Truck drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them for hazards and pedestrians.
• Rest: Truck drivers should be well rested before heading out onto the roadway.
• Maintenance: Truck drivers should ensure that their vehicles are routinely inspected and well maintained.

Truck drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles with a great deal of care. This includes driving at a safe speed at all times. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-601, no person shall drive a motor vehicle on a roadway at a speed greater than would be reasonable and prudent given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with a pedestrian in the roadway, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

Depending on the circumstances of any collision, there could be more than one liable party for a truck accident. This is particularly true if a commercial vehicle is involved in a collision. A large portion of the trucks on the roadway are used for commercial purposes, such as transporting goods. When trucks are being used for commercial purposes, the business that owns the truck could be held at fault in the event of a crash. It is important that the circumstances leading up to any truck accident are properly understood.

• Surveillance: Many pedestrian accidents are captured by surveillance footage. This could include traffic cameras and surveillance being performed by nearby businesses.
• Photos: Photos of the accident site should be taken. These can help reveal vehicle positions after an accident.
• Medical Records: All medical records related to an accident should be preserved. These records can help demonstrate the extent of a person’s injuries and also reveal how an accident took place.

At the end of the day, the evidence left behind after an accident can help reveal a clear picture of what took place. This is true even when one or more drivers denies liability for a collision. For instance, a lack of skid marks in the roadway can help reveal that a driver failed to brake to avoid a pedestrian. It is important for accident victims and their families to understand that they do have legal options. In particular, the family member of any person who dies in a collision has a right to know how that accident took place. They can also hold negligent parties accountable through a civil claim.

Investigating Gurnee Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Amber Knowles. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There are so many questions that remain unanswered at this time. What was the speed of the truck driver prior to the collision? What was the safety record of the truck driver involved? Is there a history of collisions at this particular intersection of Delany Road and Sunset Avenue?

Do you need more information about a gurney truck accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We have decades of experience investigating the cause of accidents and holding negligent parties accountable. Whether you just have legal questions or would like a free, independent investigation into how an accident took place, we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.