Gregory Coleman Killed in Rockford Car Accident
Truck Accident - March 7, 2025
Gregory Coleman, 66, Died in Rockford Collision With Pickup Truck on East State Street and Summit Street
ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS (March 7, 2025) – A 66-year-old pedestrian identified as Gregory Coleman has tragically died in a Rockford car accident by East State Street and Summit Street.
Winnebago County officials are saying that the collision took place around 6 AM on February 5. Gregory Coleman was hit by a pickup truck under uncertain conditions.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Gregory Coleman remained at the hospital for 10 days, but he later died due to the severity of his injuries.
A full investigation into the Rockford collision remains ongoing.
Liability for Rockford Pickup Truck Accidents
Pedestrians lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are therefore much more vulnerable. According to the IIHS, “Deaths from motor vehicle crashes with pedestrians have increased 83% since reaching their low point in 2009 and account for 18% of crash fatalities. The rates of pedestrian crash deaths per 100,000 people are highest for people ages 20 and over.” Drivers should take a number of actions in order to avoid colliding with pedestrians.
- Drivers should check their blind spots before turning at an intersection.
- Drivers should slow down during periods of reduced visibility or inclement weather.
- Drivers may need to use their horn to alert pedestrians of their presence.
All drivers must use caution in order to avoid colliding with pedestrians in the roadway. This is true even if a pedestrian is outside of a marked crosswalk. If a driver fails to slow down in order to avoid hitting a pedestrian in the roadway, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. A municipality could also potentially be held at fault for a pedestrian collision if it was caused by some dangerous condition with the roadway. There are a number of road defects that could contribute to a pedestrian collision.
- Malfunctioning street lights
- Missing stop signs
- Poorly designed intersections
- Obstructed views at intersections
Depending on the facts of any case, liability could extend beyond an at-fault driver. If the person who hit a pedestrian was working at the time of a collision, their employer could also potentially be held at fault. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their employees. It is important that the circumstances surrounding any pedestrian collision are properly understood. At the end of the day, the evidence left behind after an accident will help paint a clear picture of what happened regardless of what any driver says.
Investigating Winnebago County Pedestrian Collisions
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Gregory Coleman. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to authorities. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong for the sake of the victim’s family. Many questions remain unanswered.
Do you need more information about a Rockford pedestrian accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of the rights and that roadways are safe for bicyclists and pedestrians. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular incident, we may be able to assist you. You can contact us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
