Darrell Elkin Killed In Springfield Car Accident On Interstate 55

Truck Accident - January 21, 2024

Darrell Elkin, of Bloomington, Died In Springfield Truck Accident Along Interstate 55 Not Far From Mile Marker 98

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (January 21, 2023) – A 73-year-old man identified as Darrell Elkin has tragically died in a Springfield car accident with a truck pulling a trailer on Interstate 55.

Sangamon County officials are saying that the accident took place in the morning on January 16. Darrell Elkin was driving down the road when his vehicle was rear-ended by a truck pulling a trailer.

The force of the impact pushed the victim’s vehicle off of the road. Prior to the collision, traffic in the area was slowing due to an unrelated crash.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help all of those injured. Darrell Elkin was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

But he could not be saved and was pronounced dead around 10:00 a.m. that same day. The driver of the truck was cited with failure to reduce speed in order to avoid a collision.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Springfield Truck Accidents

Speeding is one of the main causes of fatal collisions in the United States. According to the NHTSA, “For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. In 2021, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities. Speed also affects your safety even when you are driving at the speed limit but too fast for road conditions, such as during bad weather, when a road is under repair, or in an area at night that isn’t well lit.” There are a number of steps that drivers should take in order to avoid collisions.

• Drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them.
• During periods of especially poor weather, it may be advisable to avoid driving all together.
• Drivers should make sure that their vehicles are periodically inspected and well maintained.

All drivers are supposed to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. According to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-601, no person shall operate their vehicle at a speed greater than what would be reasonable or safe given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. Driving the speed limit could be considered reckless under certain conditions. For example, drivers will need to slow down significantly during foggy conditions. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any collision.

• Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
• Medical records should be preserved.
• If a commercial driver was involved, their work logbook should be reviewed.
• Photos of the accident site should be taken.

It can be hard to know where to begin after any serious collision. To make matters worse, drivers will do everything that they can to deny liability for any collision. However, evidence will ultimately reveal who was at fault. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that rear-ends a vehicle in their own lane of travel. These types of collisions nearly always involve drivers that were distracted, speeding or following the lead vehicle too closely.

Investigating Springfield Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Darrell Elkin. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place.

Do you need more information about a Springfield truck accident? Our team of roadway 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 any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.