Floyd Emerson Injured In Cumberland County Truck Accident On Interstate 70

Truck Accident - February 24, 2022

Floyd Emerson, of Stroud, Oklahoma, Injured In Cumberland County Semi-Truck Accident

Floyd Emerson Injured In Cumberland County Truck Accident On Interstate 70

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, ILLINOIS (February 24, 2022) – A truck driver identified as Floyd Emerson was injured in a semi-truck accident on Interstate 70.

Cumberland County police officials are saying that the collision took place around 4:20 a.m. on Wednesday, February 23. A Kenworth semi-truck was traveling eastbound on I-70 not far from mile post 109.

The driver of the Kenworth tractor-trailer left the road and then overcorrected back into the roadway. That truck then collided with another semi-truck driven by Floyd Emerson.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Floyd Emerson was taken to a regional hospital in an ambulance.

Multiple lanes of traffic were blocked for several hours before they were reopened. State troopers cited the driver of the Kenworth truck for improper lane usage.

Liability In Cumberland County Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks are substantially more dangerous than passenger vehicles in a variety of different ways. For example, a fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs. Semi-trucks also have large blind spots that can easily obscure the presence of smaller vehicles. On top of this, truck drivers are often asked to work long hours at all times of the day. Fatigue tends to be a major contributing factor behind accidents. Other factors that could could contribute to a truck accident include:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Driver fatigue
  • Inclement weather
  • Tire defects

Semi-truck drivers will need to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. According to the FMCSA, serious traffic violations can jeopardize a truck driver’s ability to maintain their (CDL). Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-709), “A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.” Many collisions are due to truck drivers that make a mistake and then over-correct causing them to lose control.

If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, many truck drivers attempt to avoid liability for crashes by hiring their truck drivers as “independent contractors.” Victims of semi-truck collisions tend to suffer very serious injuries including:

  • Broken bones
  • Head injuries
  • Lacerations
  • Spinal cord trauma
  • Organ damage

Victims of semi-truck accidents may be able to seek aid through numerous avenues. If they were working as an employee when they were injured, they may be entitled to worker’s compensation. They may also be able to pursue a third party liability claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. An Illinois third party liability attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating A Cumberland County Semi-Truck Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to Floyd Emerson as he continues to recover. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a truck accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights  and that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.