Edgar Bailey Killed In Maroa Semi-Truck Accident on Route 51

Truck Accident - August 6, 2023

Edgar Bailey Died In Maroa Motorcycle Accident With Semi-Truck Along U.S. Route 51 and Wise Road

MAROA, ILLINOIS (August 5, 2023) – A motorcyclist identified as Edgar Bailey has tragically died in a Maroa semi-truck accident on U.S. Route 51 by Wise Road.

Macon County officials are saying that the accident took place  around 7:53 a.m. on August 2. Edgar Bailey was heading down the road in a motorcycle as a semi-truck was making a left turn into his path.

The motorcycle and semi-truck collided in the roadway. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.

Despite life-saving measures, Edgar Bailey died due to the severe nature of his injuries. Illinois State Police cited the driver of the semi-truck for failing to yield.

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

Liability For Maroa Semi-Truck Accidents

Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in semi-truck accidents. According to the FMCSA, “Elements that influence the occurrence of a crash may take place hours, days, or months before the crash. They include driver training and experience, vehicle design and manufacture, highway condition and traffic signaling, and weather conditions.” There are a number of reasons that semi-trucks can be particularly dangerous.

• Semi-trucks have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of motorcycles and smaller vehicles.
• Semi-trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs and can take the length of two football fields to come to a stop.
• Semi-trucks have a wide turning radius which can make side impact collisions more likely.

Semi-truck drivers must get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. However, they are also under a lot of pressure to complete their routes as quickly as possible. This can lead to dangerous safety compromises including dangerous turns. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-902), no person shall turn left upon a roadway unless such a movement can be made with reasonable safety.

When a truck driver is negligent and causes a fatal collision, their employer could be held at fault. Companies are typically liable for the tortious conduct of their employees. However, truck companies will often hire their drivers as “independent contractors” in order to evade liability for collisions. Companies typically wont be liable for the negligent actions of their independent contractors. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.

• The event data recorder of the truck involved should be examined.
• The truck drivers logbook should be reviewed.
• Surveillance footage of the crash should be sought.
• A thorough investigation should be conducted.

The vast majority of semi-truck accidents are preventable and involve some amount of human error. In particular, many truck drivers involved in fatal collisions were fatigued. The family of any person that died in a semi-truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. A civil claim can help hold negligent truck drivers accountable for what happened.

Investigating Maroa Semi-Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Edgar Bailey. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. Any person that may have more information about what happened should speak with investigators.

Do you need more information about a Moroa semi-truck accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that truck companies are held accountable. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we may be able to help you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.