Karl Hall Killed University Village Hit-And-Run Box Truck Accident

Truck Accident - May 20, 2024

Karl Hall, 44, Died In University Village, Chicago Hit-And-Run Collision With Box Truck By Halsted Street, Just North of Maxwell Street

LITTLE ITALY, ILLINOIS (May 20, 2024) – A 44-year-old man identified as Karl Hall has tragically died in a University Village hit-and-run box truck accident along Halsted Street.

Chicago Police Department officials are saying that the incident took place around 7:15 p.m. on May 15. A white box truck owned by a company that rents furniture was heading down the road and hit Karl Hall as he crossed Halsted Street.

The truck driver kept driving south and did not stop. However, surveillance footage was able to capture the license plate number of the truck.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Karl Hall was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Liability For Chicago Box Truck Accidents

Chicago has some of the busiest streets in the United States. These roads can be particularly dangerous for pedestrians. According to the Chicago Department of Transportation, “70% of Chicago traffic deaths involved drivers traveling at high speeds. Over half of pedestrians killed in the city are hit by an SUV or larger vehicle. Nearly 90% of traffic deaths in Chicago involve reckless behavior by people behind the wheel.” Drivers should take a number of steps in order to avoid hitting pedestrians.

• Drivers should slow down in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
• Drivers should use their turn signals to alert pedestrians and other drivers of their presence.
• Drivers should abstain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances.
• Drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.

All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, every driver must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. They must also use their horns when necessary and exercise the proper precautions to avoid colliding with any child or obviously confused person. If a 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. The company that owned or operated a truck involved in a collision could also be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the scope and course of their job duties. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any truck accident.

• Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
• Medical records should be preserved.
• Fragments of any fleeing vehicle should be collected.
• Surveillance footage of the collision should be sought.

When a driver leaves the scene of a collision, this could indicate multiple things. The driver may simply not have realized what happened, which usually indicates that they were not paying attention to the road. It is also possible that the driver wanted to avoid any consequences of the crash. It is important for accident victims and their families to understand that they do have rights. The family of any pedestrian who died in a collision may be able to hold negligent parties accountable through a civil claim.

Investigating Chicago Hit-And-Run Box Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Karl Hall. This was a tragic accident that should have never taken place. The driver involved in this collision should do the right thing and come forward. It is never too late to do the right thing. City officials should also consider additional measures to help make this stretch of road safer.

Do you need more information about a Chicago hit-and-run collision? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that cities are doing everything within their power to keep our roads safe. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.