Mauttie Ratcliffe Injured In Joliet Hit-And-Run Semi-Truck Accident
Truck Accident - March 16, 2024
Investigators Locate Semi-Truck Driver Involved In Joliet Hit-And-Run Collision That Injured Mauttie Ratcliffe on Interstate 80
JOLIET, ILLINOIS (March 16, 2024) – A woman identified as Mauttie Ratcliffe was injured in a Joliet hit-and-run semi-truck accident on Interstate 70.
Will County officials are saying that the collision took place on November 1. A 69-year-old semi-truck driver was heading down the road in a Peterbilt truck when he collided with a 2015 Chevrolet Camaro carrying Mauttie Ratcliffe.
The truck driver did not stop at the scene and kept driving. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help Mauttie Ratcliffe who was taken to a local hospital.
Officials were able to find the semi-truck driver believed to be involved in the crash. He has since been charged for the incident.
Liability for Joliet Hit-And-Run Truck Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in truck accidents every year in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2021, 5,700 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, an 18% increase from 2020 and a 49% increase in the last 10 years. The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled is up 7% from 2020, and up 22% in the last 10 years.” There are a number of steps that truck drivers should take in order to avoid collisions.
- Truck drivers should maintain a safe distance from other drivers at all times.
- Truck drivers should be aware of their blind spots.
- Truck drivers should use their turn signals to alert other drivers of their intentions.
- Truck drivers should avoid distractions such as using a cellphone while driving.
The vast majority of truck accidents are preventable and involve some amount of driver error. For example, many accidents involve truck drivers who make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-707), no person shall make a left turn or U-turn upon a roadway unless such a movement can be made with reasonable safety. If a driver flees the scene of an injury collision, they could face criminal as well as civil liability for the crash.
The company that a truck driver worked for could also be liable for a collision. 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. However, truck companies will often try to evade liability for crashes by hiring their drivers as “independent contractors.” It is important that certain steps are taken after any truck accident.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Medical records related to the accident should be preserved.
- The police report for the collision should be reviewed.
It can be hard to know where to begin after any truck accident. Accident victims are often left with serious injuries and high medical bills. Many people who are injured in truck accidents will also need to take long periods of time off of work. Any person who is injured in a truck accident may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A truck accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Joliet Hit-And-Run Truck Accidents
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to Mauttie Ratcliffe as she continues to recover. It is our sincere hope that she is able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Joliet hit-and-run truck accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of truck accident attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the support and justice that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we may be able to help you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
