Jackine Austin Killed in Chicago Truck Accident on Dan Ryan Expressway

Truck Accident - October 7, 2025

Large Piece of Metal From Semi-Truck Came Loose and Struck Jackine Austin on the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (October 7, 2025) – A man identified as Jackine Austin has tragically died in a Chicago truck accident on the southbound lanes of Interstate 94 by 29th Street.

Cook County officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:10 a.m. on Monday. Jackine Austin was traveling down Interstate 94 in a gray GMC Yukon when his vehicle was pierced by what authorities called a “large object.”

That object punched a hole through the windshield and hit the victim. It was later determined that the object was a piece of metal that came off a semi-truck with an intermodal carrier.

Paramedics were called to the scene to help the victim. Jackine Austin was transported to a local area hospital in critical condition. Sadly, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

It remains unclear if the semi-truck driver involved in the crash stopped or was even aware of what happened. A full investigation into the deadly collision remains ongoing.

Liability for Chicago Semi-Truck Accidents

Truck drivers and truck companies have a legal obligation to properly secure cargo and maintain their vehicles to prevent objects from falling into the road. Pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/15-109, “No vehicle shall be driven or moved on any highway unless such vehicle is so constructed or loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, shifting, leaking or otherwise escaping therefrom.” There could be numerous sources of negligence for any accident where a piece of metal comes loose from a commercial truck.

• Commercial Vehicle Owner: The company that owned or operated a commercial truck could be liable for a collision. These companies must routinely inspect and maintain all of their vehicles. Debris could easily come loose from a truck if certain parts become fatigued or rusted from wear and tear.
• Intermodal Container Owner: The companies that own a truck and the containers that get hauled are often two different entities. It is possible that the entity responsible for an intermodal container may also be liable if their equipment was not properly maintained.
• Truck Manufacturers: Any company that manufactured a truck or its component parts could be liable for a collision if manufacturing or design defects with a truck caused components to come loose. Design defects are inherent to the way that a product is manufactured. They could give rise to a strict product liability claim.

Many lawsuits have been filed after people were injured by debris that came loose from a commercial vehicle. Consider, for example, Vincent Doa v. Lower Huron Chemical & Supply Co. A man was injured in a truck accident after the wheel of a 2005 International box truck came loose and struck his vehicle. Attorneys for the plaintiff argued that the accident was the result of the truck company’s failure to inspect and maintain the 450-pound wheel that came loose. A jury unanimously agreed and awarded the plaintiff damages.

Preventing Chicago Truck Accidents Involving Loose Debris

Many car accidents are the result of debris that enters the roadway. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, “A previous study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimated that as many as 50,000 crashes, 10,000 injuries, and 125 deaths each year are attributable at least in part to road debris.” It is vital that truck carriers take certain measures to avoid these accidents.

• Proper Cargo Securement: All cargo being transported in a truck should be secured in accordance with state and federal requirements. To that end, truck carriers should strictly follow FMCSA Cargo Securement Rules.
• Regular Maintenance: Truck companies should conduct regular inspections and maintenance on all of their vehicles. Special attention should be given to the tires, wheels, axles, and suspension systems.
• Driver Training: Truck drivers should be trained to perform regular pre-trip and post-trip inspections with their vehicle. These inspections can help identify small problems so that they can be addressed early on.

Accidents involving debris that comes loose from trucks are far from random events. They tend to be the predictable result of known safety lapses. Companies may begin to cut back on needed safety inspections to improve efficiency. This is completely unacceptable. It is important for accident victims and surviving family members to understand that they do have rights. The family of any person who died due to the negligent actions of a truck company may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.

Investigating Chicago Semi-Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jackine Austin. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. Many questions remain unanswered at this time. When was the last time this truck was inspected and maintained? What is the safety record of the company that owned the truck? What part of the truck did this piece of metal come from?

Do you need more information about a Chicago semi-truck accident? Our team of truck accident investigators is here to help. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that truck companies are held fully accountable for their wrongful actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation to get to the bottom of any particular incident, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.