Dakota Morrison, Diane Gilmer Killed In Steeleville Motorcycle Accident By James Street and Broadway
Wrongful Death - April 24, 2022
Dakota Morrison, of Chester, Diane Gilmer, of Steeleville, Died In Steeleville Car Accident While Riding Motorcycle By James Street and Broadway
STEELEVILLE, ILLINOIS (April 24, 2022) – Two people identified as Dakota Morrison and Diane Gilmer were killed in a Steeleville motorcycle accident with a pickup truck by James Street and Broadway.
Randolph County police officials are saying that the accident took place on Friday afternoon. Dakota Morrison and Diane Gilmer were on a motorcycle stopped at a stop sign when they were struck by a pickup truck headed east.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help both of the victims. Despite life-saving measures, Dakota Morrison and Diane Gilmer both died due to their injuries.
It remains unclear if the driver of the pickup truck will face any citations following the crash. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Steeleville Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable to the dangers of car accidents. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), slightly over 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in car accidents in 2019. Another 84,000 motorcyclists sustained serious injuries. Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists were 29 times more likely to be killed than those in passenger vehicles. There are a number of steps that should be taken to avoid collisions with motorcyclists.
- Drivers should give motorcyclists plenty of space when they are passing.
- Drivers should remain at a safe follow distance with motorcyclists.
- Drivers should abstain from alcohol and other substances that could impair them.
All drivers should exercise due care in order to avoid hitting other vehicles. Many collisions are due to drivers that follow other vehicles too closely. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-710), no person shall follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent given the speed of the vehicles and the prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a driver goes past a stop sign without yielding, this may be considered prima facie evidence of their failure to yield.
If the driver of a pickup truck was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are vicariously liable for the wrongful acts of their employees. Many pickup trucks are used for commercial purposes such as landscaping, construction and the transportation of goods. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any motorcycle accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- The employment status of the pickup truck driver should be determined.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
The family of any victim that died in a motorcycle collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral costs. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim will typically include the victim’s next of kin such as their spouse or children. Sadly, companies will often fight hard to deny any responsibility for a collision. A wrongful death attorney can investigate your case free of cost and get to the bottom of what contributed to an accident.
Investigating A Steelville Motorcycle Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the families of Dakota Morrison and Diane Gilmer. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a preventable collision 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 Steeleville motorcycle accident? Our team of motorcycle 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 those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
