Pedestrian Killed In Chicago Semi-Truck Accident on South Ashland Avenue
Truck Accident - May 31, 2025
44-Year-Old Man Died in Chicago Truck Accident While Crossing South Ashland Avenue
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (May 31, 2025) – A pedestrian has tragically died in Chicago’s Southwest Side after being hit by a semi-truck while crossing the 2100 block of South Ashland Avenue.
Cook County officials are saying that the accident took place around 12 PM on Friday. A 44-year-old man was crossing the street when he was hit by a semi-truck.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. He was transported to Stroger Hospital with critical injuries.
Despite life-saving measures, the victim died due to his injuries. The driver of the semi-truck cooperated with police and remained at the scene.
Liability for Chicago Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks account for a relatively small number of the total vehicles on the roadway. But they are involved in a disproportionately high number of fatal collisions. According to the National Safety Council, “The number of deaths decreased 8% from 2022 but is up 40% in the last 10 years. The majority of deaths in large-truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles (70%), followed by truck occupants (18%), and non-occupants, primarily pedestrians and bicyclists (12%).” Truck drivers should take several measures in order to avoid hitting pedestrians.
- Blind Spots: Truck drivers should check their blind spots before making turns on the roadway.
- Horns: Truck drivers should use their horns to warn pedestrians of their presence when appropriate.
- Speed: Truck drivers should reduce their speed when traveling through areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Truck drivers have a legal obligation to obtain a commercial driver’s license. They must operate their vehicles with a great deal of care in order to avoid hitting any pedestrian. 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. When a truck driver fails to take reasonable measures to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a truck accident could extend beyond any driver. For example, the company that a truck driver worked for could potentially bear some legal responsibility for a collision. As a general rule, employers are vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their employees who are acting within the course and scope of their job duties. Such cases could include situations where a truck driver was transporting goods from one location to the next. Victims of truck accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries.
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Truck accidents are often highly preventable. They tend to occur when truck drivers are traveling too fast for the prevailing conditions or simply not scanning the road ahead of them. Part of the problem is the truck drivers are put under an enormous amount of pressure to complete their routes as quickly as possible. In fact, it has been estimated that 1 in 10 truck drivers involved in a fatal collision reported feeling under pressure from their carrier. The family of any person who died in a semi-truck accident may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating Chicago Semi-Truck Accidents
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man who died in this Chicago semi-truck accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Chicago semi-truck accident? Our team of truck accident attorneys is here to answer any questions you may have. We are committed to helping accident victims understand their rights and holding negligent drivers accountable for their wrongful conduct. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here for you. You can contact us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
