Pedestrian Killed In Cairo Semi-Truck Accident on I-57
Truck Accident - February 21, 2024
Alexander County Officials Investigating Deadly Cairo Pedestrian Accident Involving Semi-Truck On Interstate 57 By Mile Marker 1
CAIRO, ILLINOIS (February 21, 2024) – A 25-year-old pedestrian has tragically died in a Cairo semi-truck accident on Interstate 57 by Mile Marker 1.
Alexander County officials are saying that the collision took place around 8:47 p.m. on February 19. A semi-truck was heading northbound on Interstate 57 when it collided with a pedestrian.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, the pedestrian was pronounced dead.
The driver of the semi-truck remained at the scene and cooperated with police. A full investigation into the Cairo pedestrian accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Cairo Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks can be extremely dangerous for pedestrians and those in smaller vehicles. According to the IIHS, “Truck braking capability can be a factor in truck crashes. Loaded tractor-trailers require 20-40 percent more distance than cars to stop, and the discrepancy is greater on wet and slippery roads or with poorly maintained brakes. Truck driver fatigue is also a known crash risk.” There are many steps that truck drivers should take in order to avoid hitting pedestrians.
- Truck drivers should be well-rested before heading out onto the roadway.
- Truck drivers should receive regular training.
- Truck drivers should ensure that their vehicles are well maintained.
Truck drivers are required to get a commercial license. They must undergo extensive training and are expected to use the utmost caution in order to avoid collisions. Truck drivers must follow all rules and regulations laid out in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This includes taking periodic brakes during their shift. It has been estimated that fatigue played a factor in nearly 1 out of every 10 fatal semi-truck accidents.
If a truck driver failed to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian in the roadway, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. 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 horn when necessary and exercise the proper precaution to avoid colliding with any child or obviously confused person. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any truck collision.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- The truck’s event data recorder should be retrieved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- The police report for the collision should be collected.
The company that a truck driver was working for could be held at fault for a crash. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful acts of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, many truck companies will try to evade liability for crashes by hiring their drivers as independent contractors. It is very important that all of the facts and evidence after any collision are evaluated by a competent third party.
Investigating Alexander County Semi-Truck Accidents
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man killed in this Cairo semi-truck accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Cairo pedestrian accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are 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 a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
