Motorcyclist Killed In Palatine Semi-Truck Accident on North Northwest Highway
Truck Accident - June 16, 2023
50-Year-Old Motorcycle Rider Died After Palatine Car Accident With Semi-Truck Along North Northwest Highway
PALATINE, ILLINOIS (June 16, 2023) – A 50-year-old motorcyclist died in a Palatine semi-truck accident on the 200 block of North Northwest Highway.
Cook County officials are saying that the collision took place around 1:11 a.m. on Thursday. A semi-truck pulled out of a private driveway and into the path of a motorcyclist.
The motorcyclist was unable to avoid the collision and hit the side of the semi-truck. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Despite life-saving measures, the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Palatine Motorcycle Accidents
Semi-trucks can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists and those in passenger vehicles. 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 semi-truck drivers should take to prevent collisions.
- Semi-truck drivers should be well rested before heading out onto the road.
- Semi-truck drivers should take periodic breaks during their shifts.
- Semi-truck drivers should make sure that their vehicle is well maintained.
Semi-truck drivers must get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Many truck accidents are due to truck drivers that make dangerous exits from private roads. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1205), the driver of any vehicle emerging from an alley or private road shall yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching on such roadway. When a truck driver fails to yield to oncoming traffic before entering a road, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
The company that a truck driver was working for could also be held at fault 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. For example, a truck driver may have been transporting goods when they crashed. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any collision.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
The vast majority of truck accidents can be prevented and involve some amount of human error. The family of any person that is killed in a semi-truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, truck companies will often fight hard to deny any responsibility if one of their drivers is involved in a fatal collision.
Investigating Cook County Semi-Truck Accidents
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the motorcyclist killed in this Palatine collision. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you nee more information about a Palatine semi-truck accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. 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 any type of support after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
