Illinois State Police Trooper Injured In Effingham Semi-Truck Accident On US Route 45
Truck Accident - October 20, 2022
Illinois State Police Trooper Hospitalized After Effingham Semi-Truck Accident Near US Route 45 and Interstate 57
EFFINGHAM, ILLLINOIS (October 20, 2022) – An Illinois State Police trooper was injured in an Effingham truck accident while performing a stop by US Route 45 and Interstate 57.
Effingham County officials are saying that the accident took place around 7:25 a.m. on Tuesday. An Illinois State Police trooper was partially inside a truck-tractor when the officer was hit by a second semi-truck.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the trooper. They were taken to the hospital. That trooper has since been released.
The driver of the semi-truck was cited for a violation of Scott’s Law. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Effingham Semi-Truck Accidents
Being a police officer can be very dangerous. Many officers are killed or seriously injured in car accidents every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “In the last 10 years, on average, an officer per week has been killed on our nation’s roads (2011-2020 = 50 deaths per year). Most years, motor vehicle-related incidents — including crashes and being struck by moving vehicles while on foot — are the main cause of death for officers.” There are a number of steps that drivers should take in order to prevent collisions.
- Drivers should slow down in construction zones.
- Drivers should slow down during periods of inclement weather.
- Drivers should abstain from alcohol and intoxicating substances.
Scott’s Law is named in honor of Scott Gillen who worked for the Chicago Fire Department. He was struck and killed by a drunk driver while assisting with a crash along a Chicago Expressway. The law requires all people approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights to slow down, drive with caution and move over to another lane. A violation of Scott’s Law could form the basis of a negligence claim.
If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a truck driver may have been transporting goods when they were involved in a crash. Victims of truck accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Even after the physical injuries of an accident have healed, victims of truck accidents tend to suffer long-term psychological injuries. It is important to remember that accident victims are protected by a number of laws. They do have the ability to file a civil claim if that is what they choose. Unfortunately, truck companies will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly preserved.
Investigating An Illinois Semi-Truck Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to the Illinois State Police trooper injured in this crash. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. Far too often truck companies prioritize speedy deliveries over the safety of others on the roadway.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in an Effingham semi-truck accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. 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.
