Lauren Wegner Killed In Springfield Car Accident On Interstate 55 by Exit 88
Wrongful Death - November 13, 2022
Lauren Wegner Died In Springfield Wrong Way Car Accident With Pickup Truck on I-55 By Exit 88
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (November 12, 2022) – A woman identified as Lauren Wegner was killed in a Springfield head-on car accident with a pickup truck on I-55.
Sangamon County officials are saying that the accident took place around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Lauren Wegner was driving a Mercury Sable when she was hit head-on by a GMC Sierra pickup truck.
A Toyota Corolla was also hit by the wrong way driver. A semi-truck drove through the scene after the first collision. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help all of the victims.
Sadly, Lauren Wegner was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Corolla was taken to the hospital in order to receive treatment.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Springfield Car Accidents
Head-on car accidents are among the most deadly type of collisions that a person can be involved in. Head-on crashes account for only around 2% of all fatal collisions but over 10% of all traffic fatalities. They are nearly always preventable. In many instances, drivers may become confused by freeway on-ramp signs before heading down the road in the wrong direction. There are a number of factors that could contribute to a car accident.
- Speeding
- Inclement weather
- Driver distraction
- Driver fatigue
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. It is illegal to drive the wrong direction down any roadway. Pursuant to (625 ILCS 5/11-701), “a vehicle shall be driven in the right-hand lane available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction.” There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part on any driver that hits another vehicle while traveling down the wrong side of the road.
Many pickup trucks are used for commercial purposes in landscaping or construction. 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 wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a pickup truck driver may have been delivering materials to a job site. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any car accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The evidence left behind after a collision can paint a clear picture of what happened. It can be difficult to know what to do after any collision. However, accident victims do have rights. They are able to pursue damages through a civil claim if that is what they choose. Sadly, though, many drivers will fight hard to deny liability for any collision. It is essential that all evidence is properly preserved after any crash.
Investigating A Springfield Car Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Lauren Wegner. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a preventable collision that should have never taken place.
Do you need more information about a Springfield 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 a collision, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
