Joseph Wilske Killed In Urbana Car Accident With Pickup Truck While Crossing Vine Street On Motorized Scooter

Motorized Scooter Rider Joseph Wilske Died In Pickup Truck Accident By Vine Street and East Water Street

Joseph Wilske Killed In Urbana Car Accident With Pickup Truck While Crossing Vine Street On Motorized Scooter

URBANA, ILLINOIS (January 22, 2022)  -A 71-year-old man on a motorized scooter identified as Joseph Wilske has tragically died in an accident after being hit by a pickup truck by Vine Street and East Water Street.

Champaign County police officials are saying that the collision took place around 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. Joseph Wilske was crossing the road in a motorized scooter when he was hit by a pickup truck making a left turn.

The force of the impact through the elderly victim to the ground causing him to suffer a major head injury. The victim was returning to his apartment from the grocery store.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Joseph Wilske was transported to the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana with critical injuries.

Sadly, he died around 9 hours after the collision at the hospital. A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.

Liability In Urbana Pedestrian Accidents

Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to one report from the Centers for Disease Control, “In 2017, 5,977 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States. That’s about one death every 88 minutes. Per trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.” Children and elderly pedestrians tend to be at the greatest risk for being involved in collisions. That risk grows when a person is bound to a wheelchair or mobility scooter. In all, there are a number of factors that could contribute to a pedestrian accident.

  • Speeding
  • Drunk driving
  • Dangerous turns
  • Inclement weather

All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, all drivers must exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. Drivers must also yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks that are close enough so as to pose a hazard. Hitting a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk may be sufficient evidence of a driver’s failure to yield. Depending on the specific facts of any case, liability for a pedestrian accident could extend beyond any driver.

If a pickup truck driver 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 negligent actions of their employees – when those employees are working within the course and scope of their job duties. Many pickup trucks are used in construction, landscaping and transportation. It’s important to determine the employment status of a driver at the time of a collision. There are a number of other items that should be investigated after any collision.

  • Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
  • Surveillance footage should be examined.
  • Medical records should be preserved.
  • Photos of the accident site should be taken.

The family of any victim that died in an Urbana car accident may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Civil claims are designed to mitigate the hardship and trauma that often comes with the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one. It is extremely important that evidence is properly preserved after an accident. A pedestrian accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating An Urbana Pedestrian Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Joseph Wilske. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of all who have lost so much. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to make this intersection safer for pedestrians.

Do you need more information about an accident that took place in Urbana? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any legal questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that city officials are doing everything in their power to help make our roads safer. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.