Bradley Willis Jr Killed In Semi-Truck Accident At Mackinaw Valley Powder Coating

Truck Accident - July 16, 2023

Bradley Willis Jr, of Creve Coeur, Died After Being Pinned Between Semi-Truck And Wall At Mackinaw Valley Powder Coating

MACKINAW, ILLINOIS (July 16, 2023) – A man identified as Bradley Willis Jr has tragically died in a semi-truck accident at Mackinaw Valley Powder Coating.

Tazwell County officials are saying that the collision took place around 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Bradley Willis Jr was hit by a semi-truck and pinned against a wall for a few seconds.

First responders were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Bradley Willis Jr was taken to the OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria with critical injuries.

Sadly, he was pronounced dead not long after being admitted around 7:35 a.m. on Wednesday. A full investigation into the accident at Mackinaw Valley Powder Coating remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Mackinaw Semi-Truck Accidents

Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable in semi-truck accidents. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked. 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 steps that truck drivers should take in order to avoid hitting pedestrians.

Truck drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
Truck drivers may need to use a spotter when backing up.
Truck drivers should be well rested before the start of their shift.

All tuck drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. According to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1), “every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian, or any person operating a bicycle or other device propelled by human power and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary.” Drivers must be particularly cautious when backing up. Backup collisions are nearly always avoidable.

The company that a semi-truck driver worked for could also bear liability for a collision. As a general rule of thumb, employers in Illinois can be held vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees. This is true insofar as the tortious conduct fell within the scope of the worker’s employment. By contrast, employers will typically not be liable for the negligent conduct of the independent contractors that they hire. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any pedestrian accident.

Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
Medical records should be preserved.
Surveillance footage should be sought.
A thorough investigation should be conducted.

Semi-truck accidents are usually complex events. The factors that lead up to an accident can take place days or months before the actual collision. The family of any person that is killed in a semi-truck accident may have recourse through a civil claim. It is important that all evidence is preserved after any collision. Evidence is what will ultimately be needed to demonstrate liability for any crash.

Investigating Mackinaw Semi-Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Bradley Willis Jr. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened for the sake of the victim’s family.

Do you need more information about a Mackinaw 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 and their families are aware of their rights. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.