Meledy Blumberg Killed In Richland County Truck Accident on Illinois 130
Truck Accident - March 28, 2023
Meledy Blumberg, of West Liberty, Died In Richland County Truck Accident Along Illinois 130
RICHLAND COUNTY, ILLINOIS (March 28, 2023) – A woman from West Liberty identified as Meledy Blumberg was killed in a Richland County truck accident on Illinois 130.
Richland County officials are saying that the accident took place around 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. A truck crossed over the center line of Illinois 130 and hit a van driven by Meledy Blumberg.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, Meledy Blumberg died from her injuries.
The driver of the truck was taken to the hospital in order to receive treatment. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Richland County Truck Accidents
A fully loaded truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs and can therefore be extremely dangerous. 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 to avoid collisions.
- Trucks should be periodically inspected and well maintained.
- Truck drivers should be well rested before heading out onto the road.
- Truck drivers should take periodic breaks during their shifts.
Driving a commercial truck can be extremely difficult. On top of this, truck drivers are often asked to work under difficult circumstances and odd hours of the day and night. It is common for truck drivers to become dangerously fatigued during their route. The Centers of Disease Control estimates that staying awake for only 18 hours can reduce a person’s ability to drive safely equal to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%.
All truck drivers must exercise due care in order to avoid hitting other vehicles. 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.” If a truck driver crosses into opposing lanes of traffic, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are several steps that should be taken after any truck accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
It can be hard to know what to do after any truck accident. But it is important for accident victims to know that they do have rights. When a truck driver is negligent and causes a fatal collision, their employer could be held vicariously liable through a civil claim. Sadly, though, truck companies will often do everything that they can to deny liability for any collision involving their driver.
Investigating A Richland County Truck Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Meledy Blumberg. Any person that may have more information about the collisions should reach out to the police. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place.
Have you or someone that you care about been harmed due to the negligence of a truck driver? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of road 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.
