Bethany Stine Injured In Crawford County Semi-Truck Accident on Route 33 By 150 North
Truck Accident - November 12, 2022
Bethany Stine, of Flat Rock, Seriously Injured, Man Killed In Crawford County Tractor Trailer Truck Accident on Route 33 150 North
CRAWFORD COUNTY, ILLINOIS (November 12, 2022) – A woman identified as Bethany Stine was injured and a man was killed in a Crawford County semi-truck accident on Route 33.
Crawford County officials are saying that the truck accident was first reported on Thursday morning. A semi-truck driver from Washington, Indiana was traveling down Route 33 when he hit Bethany Stine and a man as they were both walking.
First responders were called to the scene of the collision in order to help both of the victims. Bethany Stine was taken to the hospital with major injuries.
Sadly, the male pedestrian she was walking with was pronounced dead at the scene. A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Crawford County Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks account for a disproportionate number of the fatal collisions that occur every year. According to the IIHS, “The number of people who died in large truck crashes was 28 percent higher in 2020 than in 2009, when it was the lowest it has been since the collection of fatal crash data began in 1975. The number of truck occupants who died was 35 percent higher than in 2009.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a semi-truck accident.
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Poor road conditions
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs. It can take a semi-truck traveling at 65 mph the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop. All truck drivers must continuously scan the road ahead of them to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1002, the driver of any vehicle shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk. But this does not alleviate the responsibility that driver’s have to slow down and avoid pedestrians wherever they may be.
Depending on the facts of any case, the company that a truck driver worked for could be held at fault for a collision. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, many truck companies will try to avoid liability for crashes by hiring truck drivers as “independent contractors.” Victims of semi-truck accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries including.
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any semi-truck accident. But it is important to remember that accident victims do have rights. They have the right to know what happened after a collision. They also have the ability to seek damage through a civil claim if that is what they choose. It is important that all evidence is properly documented after any semi-truck collision.
Investigating A Crawford County Semi-Truck Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man killed in this collision. It is our sincere hope that Bethany Stine is able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened for the sake of the victims.
Do you need more information about a Crawford County semi-truck accident. Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the information and support that they need. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free investigation into any collision, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
