Dakota Gallatin Killed In Villa Park Motorcycle Accident

Truck Accident - April 2, 2024

Dakota Gallatin, 31, of Lombard, Died In Villa Park Car Accident Involving Pickup Truck By North Avenue and Joyce Street —> GoFundMe Created To Help Victim’s Family

Dakota Gallatin Killed In Villa Park Motorcycle Accident

VILLA PARK, ILLINOIS (April 2, 2024) – A 31-year-old motorcyclist identified as Dakota Gallatin has tragically died in a Villa Park car accident by North Avenue and Joyce Street.

DuPage County officials are saying that the collision took place around 6:27 p.m. on Friday. Dakota Gallatin was driving his 2007 Yamaha motorcycle eastbound on North Avenue when he was struck by a 2008 Ford F250 truck making a left turn.

Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, Dakota Gallatin was pronounced dead at the scene.

You can help support the family of the victim through GoFundMe. According to the GoFundMe page, “Dakota died early this morning in a tragic vehicle accident at the age of 31. Dakota was a fun, energetic, and positive person who loved life to the fullest and loved his family dearly. He enjoyed skateboarding, paintball, photography and custom craftworks. He was taken too soon and will be missed by many.”

Liability For Villa Park Car Accidents

Thousands of people are killed in car accidents each year. Many of the victims were riding motorcycles. According to the IIHS, “A total of 6,084 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2021. That is the highest number recorded and a 21% increase since 2019. Motorcycle deaths accounted for 14% of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2021 and were nearly triple the number of motorcyclist deaths in 1997.” There are a number of steps that drivers should take in order to avoid hitting motorcyclists.

  • Drivers should maintain their vehicles at a safe speed at all times. This means slowing down during periods of reduced visibility or inclement weather.
  • Drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
  • Drivers should be well rested before heading out onto the road. The CDC has estimated that staying awake for only 18 hours can reduce a person’s ability to drive safely equal to driving with a BAC of 0.05%.

Many car accidents are due to drivers who make dangerous or illegal turns on the roadway. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-707), no person shall make a left turn or U-turn upon a roadway unless such a movement can be made with reasonable safety. If a driver hits another vehicle while making a left turn, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Liability for a car accident could extend beyond any driver.

Many companies use pickup trucks as part of their business. These vehicles are particularly common in landscaping, construction, and transportation services. If the driver of any vehicle was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. In general, employers are liable for the wrongful actions of their employers – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after a collision.

  • Eyewitnesses should be interviewed. This should happen as soon as possible after any collision.
  • Surveillance footage of the accident site should be sought. Many local businesses have footage of accidents that happen nearby.
  • The police report for the collision should be collected.

The vast majority of car accidents are preventable. They often involve instances where drivers are not paying attention to cross traffic. This is particularly true when drivers are making left turns. Sadly, though, drivers will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility for any collision. This is why it is so important that all of the evidence related to any collision is properly analyzed and understood.

Investigating Villa Park Motorcycle Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Dakota Gallatin. This was a preventable collision that should not have taken place. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to DuPage County officials.

Do you need more information about a Villa Park car accident? Our team of motorcycle safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.