Owen Post, Jon Post, Aiden Post Injured In McDonough County Semi-Truck Accident

Truck Accident - December 21, 2024

Semi-Truck Driver Cited for Improper Lane Usage for Accident that Injured Peoria Residents Owen Post, Jon Post, and Aiden Post

Owen Post, Jon Post, Aiden Post Injured In McDonough County Semi-Truck Accident

MCDONOUGH COUNTY, ILLINOIS (December 21, 2024) – Three people identified as Owen Post, Jon Post, and Aiden Post were injured in a McDonough County semi-truck accident.

McDonough County officials are saying that the collision took place on Saturday. Owen Post was driving a Chrysler van with his father, Jon Post, and brother, Aiden Post, a Richwoods High School senior.

The van was struck head-on by a semi-truck at Illinois Route 336 and McDonough County Road 1500 North. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victims, all of whom were hospitalized in the crash.

Owen Post has since been released from the hospital. Jon Post and Aiden Post remain in the hospital, according to posts made on social media.

The driver of the semi-truck has since been cited for improper lane usage. An investigation by the Illinois State Police remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for McDonough County Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-truck collisions are often highly complex events. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “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 measures that truck companies should take in order to prevent collisions.

  • Training: All truck drivers should receive comprehensive training that includes periodic refresher courses.
  • Fatigue Management: Truck drivers must be allowed to take numerous breaks throughout the day in order to manage fatigue. This is required by law.
  • Technology: Truck companies should consider installing safety features like forward collision avoidance systems.
  • Maintenance: Truck companies should conduct periodic inspections on all of their vehicles. They must follow a strict maintenance schedule to ensure that all trucks are working properly.

Truck drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles with a great deal of care. Despite this, many truck accidents are due to truck drivers that make unsafe lane changes. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-709, a driver must operate their vehicle within a single lane and not move from that lane unless such a movement can be made with reasonable safety. If a truck driver makes an improper lane change and hits another vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

Depending on the unique facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of liability for any truck accident. Generally speaking, delivery companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were operating within the course and scope of their job duties. However, truck companies will often hire their drivers as “independent contractors” to reduce liability exposure for crashes. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any truck accident.

  • Surveillance footage from nearby businesses should be sought.
  • Medical records related to the crash should be preserved.
  • The logbook of the truck driver involved should be reviewed.
  • The event data recorder inside of the truck should be examined.

Fatigue remains one of the leading causes of semi-truck accidents. In fact, one in ten truck drivers involved in a fatal crash reported feeling under pressure from their carrier. Overworked truck drivers are more likely to become fatigued and make avoidable mistakes. Any person that is injured due to the negligence of a truck driver may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and costs for ongoing treatment.

Investigating McDonough County Semi-Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to Owen Post, Jon Post, and Aiden Post. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. This was a preventable crash that should have never taken place.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a McDonough County semi-truck accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that truck companies are held accountable for their negligent actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.