Colette Smith Killed In Glenview FedEx Truck Accident on Interstate 294 near Central Road
Truck Accident - February 27, 2023
Colette Smith, 31, of Des Plaines, Died In Hit-And-Run Car Accident Involving FedEx Truck on Interstate 294 near Central Road
GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS (February 26, 2023) – A woman identified as Colette Smith has tragically died in a Glenview FedEx truck accident on Interstate 294 near Central Road.
Cook County officials are saying that the accident took place on Saturday morning. A white passenger vehicle struck Colette Smith and then fled the scene of the collision.
The victim was then struck by a FedEx truck. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Despite life-saving measures, Colette Smith died due to the severe nature of her injuries. Police were eventually able to locate the driver that fled the scene and placed them in custody.
Liability For Glenview FedEx Truck Accidents
Hit-and-run collisions are unfortunately very common in the United States. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, “In 2016, there were 1,980 fatal hit-and-run crashes resulting in 2,049 fatalities. This is the highest annual number of hit-and-run fatalities or crashes recorded since NHTSA began compiling statistics on fatal motor vehicle crashes in 1975.” There are a number of factors that could contribute to a hit-and-run collision.
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Poor road conditions
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-401, the driver of any vehicle involved in a motor vehicle collision resulting in bodily injury or death must immediately stop at the scene. If a driver flees the scene of a collision, they could be held accountable through both a civil and criminal claim. Depending on the facts of any case, there could be multiple sources of liability for a car accident.
FedEx truck drivers must constantly scan the road ahead of them for errant drivers and pedestrians. Many pedestrian collisions are due to drivers that violate traffic rules. According to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-601, no person shall operate a motor vehicle at a speed greater than would be reasonable or prudent given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a FedEx truck driver failed to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are many steps that should be taken after any car accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Fragments of any vehicle that fled should be sought.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
Determining what caused any car accident will require a hard look at the evidence. For example, if a driver attempted to stop before hitting a pedestrian, there should typically be skid marks in the roadway. Evidence is what will ultimately be needed to determine liability for any crash. If evidence is not properly preserved and protected, this could create numerous problems.
Investigating A Glenview FedEx Truck Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Colette Smith. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. Any person that may have more information about what happened should contact Illinois State Police.
Do you need more information about a Glenview truck accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into a collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
