Julie Ivers Killed In Bridgeport Semi-Truck Accident on Bridgeport Road By Gaddey Lane

Truck Accident - July 21, 2022

Julie Ivers Died In Lawrence County Big Rig Truck Accident Along Bridgeport Road South of Gaddey Lane

BRIDGEPORT, ILLINOIS (July 21, 2022) – A Bridgeport woman identified as Julie Ivers was killed in a Lawrence County semi-truck accident along Bridgeport Road.

Lawrence County police officers are saying that the accident took place around 4:30 a.m. on Monday. Julie Ivers was walking when she was hit by a semi-truck driven by an 83-year-old man.

Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures from first responders, Julie Ivers died due to the severity of her injuries.

A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.

Liability In Bridgeport Semi-Truck Accidents

Thousands of people are killed every year in truck accidents across the United States. 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 steps that truck drivers should take in order to avoid hitting pedestrians.

Truck drivers should take periodic breaks during their trips as required by law.
Truck drivers should be well-rested before the start of their shift.
Truck drivers must abstain from alcohol and other potentially intoxicating substances.

All semi-truck drivers must get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must do everything in their power to avoid hitting pedestrians. This includes continuously scanning the road ahead of them. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-601), do drivers shall operate their vehicle at a speed greater than what would be safe given the prevailing conditions of the road. Driving the speed limit could very well be dangerous at night when a driver cannot see what is ahead of them clearly.

Liability for a truck accident could extend beyond an at fault truck driver. The owner of the truck could also potentially be liable for an accident. In general, employers are liable for the tortious conduct of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, many truck drivers work as “independent contractors.” It is important to determine the employment status of a truck driver at the time of a collision. There are many other steps that should be taken.

Surveillance footage of the crash should be sought.
Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
The truck driver’s logbook should be examined.
Data from the truck’s event data recorder should be preserved.
A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.

The family of any pedestrian that is killed in a truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, though truck companies will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision. It is common for them to blame the victim involved in the crash. This is why it is so crucial that evidence is properly preserved after any incident.

Investigating A Bridgeport Tractor Trailer Truck Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Julie Ivers. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of the victim’s family. It is our sincere hope that measures are considered to help make this stretch of road safer.

Do you need more information about a Bridgeport 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 are aware of their rights and that they get the information and support they are entitled to under the law. 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.