Jeanna St Peter Killed In Will County Semi-Truck Accident

Truck Accident - July 9, 2024

Jeanna St. Peter, of Momence, Died In Will County Semi-Truck Accident On Interstate 80 By Mile Marker 126, Near The Interstate 55 Interchange Ramp

WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS (July 8, 2024) – A 44-year-old Momence woman identified as Jeanna St Peter has tragically died in a Will County semi-truck accident on I-55.

Will County officials are saying that the collision took place on Friday morning. Jeanna St Peter was standing outside of her vehicle after a minor car collision.

A semi-truck driver failed to slow down and struck both vehicles and the female pedestrian. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.

But those efforts were not successful. Jeanna St Peter was pronounced dead at the scene. It remains unclear if the semi-truck driver involved in this collision will face any citations.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Will County Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks make up a relatively small amount of total vehicles on the roadway. But they are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal collisions. These crashes can be complex events. 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 common factors associated with truck accidents.

• Truck collisions are more likely when truck drivers are speeding. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 lbs and take the length of two football fields to come to a stop.
• Trucks have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of smaller vehicles and pedestrians.
• Truck drivers are put under an enormous amount of pressure to complete their deliveries on time. In fact, one in ten truck drivers involved in a fatal crash reported feeling under pressure from their carrier.

Semi-truck drivers must get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Truck drivers must follow all rules and regulations laid out in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This includes limits on how long they can drive. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, every driver must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

Liability for a truck accident could extend beyond any driver. If a truck driver is negligent, their employer could potentially be held at fault. In general, employers 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 delivering packages when they were involved in a crash. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after a truck accident.

• The event data recorder (EDR) of the truck involved should be retrieved.
• Surveillance footage should be sought.
• Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
• Photos of the accident site should be taken.
• The truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed.

The vast majority of pedestrian accidents are preventable. Truck drivers should be particularly cautious and slow down near pedestrians and vehicles close to the roadway. But far too often, this does not take place. There is simply no excuse for a truck driver to hit a stopped pedestrian or vehicle in or near their own lane of travel. These types of collisions usually involve some amount of driver error.

Investigating Will County Semi-Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jeanna St Peter. 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. It is our sincere hope that the authorities will get to the bottom of what happened.

Do you need more information about a Will County semi-truck accident? Our team of pedestrian accident investigators is here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to making sure that accident victims and their families get the information and support that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.