Pedestrian Injured in Lake County Semi-Truck Accident

Truck Accident - June 24, 2026

Investigation Underway After Semi-Truck Hit Pedestrian on Eastbound Lanes of Interstate 94 in Lake County

Semi truck sharing road with a car - How to choose a Joliet lawyer for truck accident injuries

LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS (June 24, 2026) – A pedestrian was seriously injured in a Lake County semi-truck accident on Interstate 94 near Wadsworth.

Lake County officials are saying the crash occurred around 12:13 PM on Friday. A pedestrian was hit by the semi truck for undetermined reasons.

Law enforcement and paramedics were called to the scene of the crash to help the victim. They were transported to a local area hospital to receive treatment for serious injuries.

The circumstances leading up to the crash remain unclear.

Liability for Lake County Semi-Truck Accidents

A fully loaded commercial truck weighs 80,000 pounds. Their drivers are expected to operate at the post of caution and use extensive care to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, every driver must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. They must also use their horns when necessary and exercise the proper precautions to avoid colliding with any child or obviously confused person. Multiple factors could contribute to any truck accident.

  • A truck driver may have been traveling too fast. It would be unsafe, given the prevailing road conditions.

  • A truck driver may not yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the road.

  • A truck driver may have been fatigued from working long hours.

If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting any pedestrian in the roadway, that could form the basis of a negligence claim. Truck drivers owe a duty of care, avoiding pedestrians, even if those pedestrians are outside crosswalks. Liability for any truck accident could extend to the employer that a truck driver worked for. As a general rule, employers in Illinois can be vicariously liable for the negligent conduct of their workers. This can include situations where truck drivers were transporting cargo on official routes.

Injuries Associated With Truck Accidents

Trucks are involved in many serious accidents each year. According to the NHTSA, “While most people walking or bicycling who are fatally struck by a motorist are initially struck by the front of the vehicle, large trucks make up the highest percentage of right-side impact and rear impacts in pedestrian fatalities (NCSA, 2023c).” Pedestrians are uniquely exposed to the hazards posed by motor vehicles and may sustain many serious injuries.

  • Broken bones

  • Head injuries

  • Lacerations

  • Spinal cord injuries

Truck accidents tend to be highly complex events. There could be multiple different factors that contribute to any specific collision. Even something as simple as the way that a truck was packed could contribute to a collision. Improperly packed trucks are more likely to become unstable and enter opposing lanes of traffic. Victims of truck accidents are protected by a number of laws. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.

Getting Legal Help for Accidents With Semi-Trucks

Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extends our best wishes to the victim of this Lake County truck accident and their family. This accident reveals how vulnerable pedestrians can be to large commercial vehicles. This is why it is so important that truck drivers remain vigilant and always slow down when pedestrians are nearby. Most pedestrian accidents can be avoided when drivers maintain a safe speed.

Have you or a loved one been harmed by the negligent conduct of a truck driver? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys may be able to assist you. We care deeply that victims get the information and support that they need to make informed decisions. There are absolutely no upfront costs associated with hiring our attorneys. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.