Karen Crabtree Killed In Morgan County Semi-Truck Accident On U.S. 67

Truck Accident - January 28, 2023

Karen Crabtree, of Roadhouse, Died In Morgan County Tractor Trailer Truck Accident on U.S. 67 By Woodson Winchester Road

MORGAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS (January 28, 2023) – A 66-year-old woman identified as Karen Crabtree was killed in a Morgan County semi-truck accident on U.S. 67.

Morgan County officials are saying that the collision took place around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Karen Crabtree was heading down the East Winchester Road in a 2017 Subaru Forester.

A Freightliner truck driver was heading north on U.S. when he failed to yield the right-of-way and collided with the Subaru. The force of the impact caused the Subaru to careen into a ditch.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, Karen Crabtree was pronounced dead at the scene.

The truck driver involved in the crash was issued a citation for failure to yield. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Morgan County Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks make up a relatively small number of the vehicles on the road. But they are involved in a disproportionate number of traffic fatalities. According to the National Safety Council, “A total of 4,965 people died in large-truck crashes in 2020. The number of deaths decreased 1% from 2019 but is still up 31% since 2011. The majority of deaths in large-truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles (71%), followed by truck occupants (17%), and non-occupants, primarily pedestrians and bicyclists (12%).” There are many actions that truck companies can take to help prevent semi-truck accidents.

• Truck drivers should be well trained to operate their particular vehicle.
• Trucks can be equipped with safety features such as forward collision avoidance systems.
• Truck drivers should take periodic breaks throughout their trip as required by law.

Semi-truck drivers must exercise due care in order to avoid hitting other vehicles. Pursuant to (625 ILCS 5/11-904), “After slowing or stopping, the driver shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time such driver is moving across or within the intersection.” Any driver that fails to yield the right-of-way to an oncoming vehicle could be held at fault through a negligence claim.

The company that a truck driver worked for could also be held at fault for a collision. 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 semi-truck driver may have been delivering packages when they crashed. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.

• The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be examined.
• Surveillance footage of the accident should be sought.
• Medical records should be preserved.
• The truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed.

A large number of truck accidents are due to truck driver fatigue. It is common for delivery companies to push their drivers to complete routes on unrealistic time schedules. When a truck driver is negligent and causes a fatal collision, they can be held at fault through a civil claim. Sadly, though,  truck companies will often do everything in their power to deny liability for any crash. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly preserved after any crash.

Investigating A Morgan County Semi-Truck Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Karen Crabtree. 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.

Do you need more information about a Morgan County semi-truck 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.