Donna Martin Killed In Randolph County Semi-Truck Accident

Truck Accident - April 22, 2024

Donna Martin, 64, of Sparta, Died In Randolph County Motorcycle Accident With Tractor Trailer Truck By Illinois 150 and Paradise Road

RANDOLPH COUNTY, ILLINOIS (April 22, 2024) – A 64-year-old Sparta woman identified as Donna Martin has tragically died in a semi-truck accident by Illinois 150 and Paradise Road.

Randolph County authorities are saying that the incident took place around 1:34 p.m. on Wednesday. Donna Martin was riding a motorcycle when her vehicle was involved in a collision with a semi-truck.

The circumstances leading up to the crash remain unknown. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.

Despite life-saving measures, Donna Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Randolph County Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks account for a relatively small number of vehicles on the roadway. But they are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal collisions. According to the IIHS, “A total of 4,714 people died in large truck crashes in 2021, a 17% increase compared with 2020. Sixteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 68% were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 15% were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists.” There are a number of reasons why semi-trucks can be particularly dangerous.

Blind Spots: Semi-trucks have blind spots all around the vehicle. They are particularly pronounced on the sides and front of the truck.
Turning Radius: Semi-trucks have a wide turning radius, which increases the likelihood of side-impact collisions.
Stopping Distance: A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs. When a truck is traveling at freeway speeds, it can take the length of two football fields to come to a stop.

Truck drivers must get a commercial driver’s license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must follow all rules set forth in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. All drivers must exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. Many accidents involve truck drivers who make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-902), any person intending to turn left must first yield the right of way to any vehicle traveling from the opposite direction that is close enough so as to pose a hazard.

If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. Generally speaking, employers are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, many truck companies will try to evade liability for collisions by hiring their drivers as independent contractors. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any truck accident.

Photos of the accident site should be taken.
Medical records related to the accident should be preserved.
The truck’s event data recorder should be examined.
Surveillance footage of the collision should be sought.

The vast majority of truck accidents are preventable and involve some amount of driver error. In fact, it has been estimated that nearly 10% of all truck accidents involve a truck driver who is fatigued. Truck drivers are often pushed to complete their delivery routes on unrealistic schedules. When a truck driver fails to exercise due care and is involved in a collision, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

Investigating Randolph County Semi-Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Donna Martin. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to make this stretch of road safer so that similar tragedies may be averted.

Do you need more information about a Randolph County semi-truck accident? Our team of roadway safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to helping accident victims understand their rights and working to make our roadways safer. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.