Jeanne Johnson Killed In Henry County Car Accident on Illinois Route 78
Wrongful Death - September 13, 2022
Jeanne Johnson Died In Henry County Car Accident Along Illinois Route 78 By County Highway 22
HENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS (September 12, 2022) – A 53-year-old woman identified as Jeanne Johnson died in a Henry County car accident on Illinois Route 78.
Henry County officials are saying that the accident took place around 4:55 a.m. on Thursday. Jeanne Johnson was in a Ford Escape going northbound on Route 78.
The driver of a southbound Ford Utility vehicle allowed their car to go into northbound lanes of traffic before striking the Ford Escape. The force of the impact caused the Ford Escape to go into a ditch before rolling multiple times.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Sadly, Jeanne Johnson died due to the severity of her injuries.
Police interviewed the driver of the Ford Utility vehicle who remained at the scene. A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Henry County Car Accidents
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of accidents that a person can be involved in. They account for only around 2% of all collisions but over 11% of all traffic fatalities. Distracted driving, in particular, is one of the leading causes of head-on collisions. According to the NHTSA, “Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3,142 lives in 2020.”There are many other factors that could potentially contribute to a fatal collision.
- Inclement weather
- Poor road conditions
- Driver fatigue
- Driver intoxication
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. Many crashes are due to drivers that illegally cross over into opposing lanes of traffic. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-701, it is illegal to drive on the wrong side of the road. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that crosses into opposing lanes of traffic and collides head-on with another vehicle.
Utility vehicles are used in a variety of different industries including construction, security and transportation. If the driver of a Ford Utility vehicle 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 wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any crash.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
Even in the absence of eye witnesses or surveillance footage, the physical aftermath of a crash will paint a picture of what happened. Unfortunately, though, drivers and companies will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for any crash. This is why it is so important that evidence is properly preserved. Evidence is what will ultimately be needed to determine liability for any crash.
Investigating A Henry County Car Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jeanne Johnson. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Do you need more information about a Henry County car accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. 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.