Randall Hayes Killed In McHenry Car Accident On West Elm Street

Randall Hayes, of Wonder Lake, Died In McHenry Pickup Truck Accident While Riding Bicycle On West Elm Street

Randall Hayes Killed In McHenry Car Accident On West Elm Street

MCHENRY, ILLINOIS (June 15, 2022) – A bicyclist identified as Randall Hayes, 57, has died in a McHenry car accident with a pickup truck on West Elm Street.

McHenry County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 10:25 a.m. on Saturday. Randall Hayes was riding a bicycle when he was hit by a pickup truck.

The force of the impact knock the bicyclist into the roadway leaving them with serious injuries. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.

Sadly, Randall Hayes was beyond medical aid and later died due to the severity of his injuries. A full investigation into the circumstances of the crash remains ongoing at this time.

Liability In McHenry Pickup Truck Accidents

Bicyclists are uniquely vulnerable in car accidents. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked by  drivers. According to the NHTSA, “Regardless of the season, bicyclist deaths occurred most often between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Bicyclist deaths occur most often in urban areas (79%) compared to rural areas (21%) in 2020. Bicyclist deaths were 7 times higher for males than females in 2020.” There are a number of steps that drivers should take in order to avoid bicyclists.

  • All drivers should maintain at least three feet of separation from any bicycle in a bicycle lane.
  • Drivers should also check their blind spots before making left turns.
  • Drivers should scan the road ahead of them for bicyclists and other possible hazards.

Every driver must exercise due care in order to avoid bicyclists, according to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1). If a driver does into a bicycle lane and hits a bicyclist, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. A large number of bicycle accidents are due to drivers that fail to scan the road ahead of them. Depending on the facts of any case, liability could extend beyond any driver.

Pickup trucks are often used for commercial purposes such as landscaping and construction. If the driver of a pickup truck was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. 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. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any bicycle accident.

  • Photos of the accident site should be taken.
  • Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
  • Surveillance footage should be reviewed.
  • A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.

The family of any victim that died in a McHenry bicycle accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is extremely important that evidence is properly preserved after any collision. Evidence is what will ultimately be used to determine liability.

Investigating A McHenry Bicycle Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Randall Hayes. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family.

Do you need more information about a McHenry bicycle accident? Our team of bicycle 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 a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You’re always welcome to reach out to us anytime at  (312) 564-4256.