Cory Geist Killed In McLean County Semi-Truck Accident on Interstate 55

Truck Accident - March 2, 2023

Cory Geist, 25, of Tucson, Arizona, Died In McLean County Semi-Truck Accident Along Interstate 55 Near Bloomington

Cory Geist Killed In McLean County Semi-Truck Accident on Interstate 55

MCLEAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS (March 1, 2023) – A 25-year-old man identified as Cory Geist has tragically died in a McLean County semi-truck accident on Interstate 5.

McLean County officials are saying that the accident took place around 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Cory Geist was in a box truck traveling down Interstate 55.

The driver of a semi-truck parked on the side of the road made an unsafe lane merge directly into the path of the box truck. Both vehicles collided by the shoulder of the freeway. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.

Sadly, Cory Geist was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi-truck was cited for failing to yield to merging traffic and improper lane usage.

A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For McLean County Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks account for a relatively small proportion of the vehicles on the road. However, they are involved in a disproportionate number of traffic fatalities. According to the NHTSA, “In 2020 there were 4,965 people killed in crashes involving large trucks. This was a 1-percent decrease from 5,032 in 2019.” The vast majority of victims are occupants of other vehicles. There are a number of unique features with semi-trucks that make them particularly deadly.

  • A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs.
  • A semi-truck traveling at 65 mph can take the length of two football fields to come to a stop.
  • Semi-trucks can be unwieldy and difficult to maneuver in the best of circumstances.
  • Semi-trucks have a wide turning radius and are more susceptible to side-impact collisions.

Semi-truck drivers need to get a commercial license and do all that they can to operate their vehicle safely. They must undergo specialized training and be intimately familiar with how to operate their particular rig. Many truck accidents occur because truck drivers commit traffic violations. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-709) (a), “A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.” If a semi-truck driver makes an unsafe lane merge and is struck by a vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

Depending on the facts of a case, liability for a truck accident could extend beyond an at fault driver. The company that a truck driver worked for could be held at fault for a crash. In general, 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. For example, a truck driver may have been delivering packages when they caused an accident. However, many companies try to evade liability for truck accidents by hiring their drivers as “independent contractors.” There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.

  • Surveillance footage of the crash should be sought.
  • The event data recorder (EDR) of the truck involved should be examined.
  • The semi-truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed for possible violations.
  • The police report for the collision should be reviewed.

Truck drivers are put under an enormous amount of pressure to complete their routes as quickly as possible. Many accidents are due to semi-truck drivers that are fatigued. The family of any person that is killed due to the negligent actions of a semi-truck driver may have legal recourse through a civil claim. It is absolutely crucial that all evidence is properly preserved after any semi-truck accident. Evidence is what will be necessary to demonstrate liability for any crash.

Investigating A McLean County Semi-Truck Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Cory Geist. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to McLean County officials. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of all who have lost so much. 

Do you need more information about a McLean County semi-truck accident? Our team of consumer 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 accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.