Ricardo Gonzalez Jr Killed In Elk Grove Village Semi-Truck Accident

Truck Accident - August 27, 2023

Ricardo Gonzalez Jr, 25, Died In Elk Grove Village Semi-Truck Accident By Devon Avenue and Nicholas Boulevard

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, ILLINOIS (August 27, 2023) – Ricardo Gonzalez Jr has tragically died in an Elk Grove Village semi-truck accident by Devon Avenue and Nicholas Boulevard.

Cook County officials are saying that the accident took place on Friday night. Ricardo Gonzalez Jr was driving a pickup truck when he was involved in a collision with a semi-truck.

Photos of the accident site indicate the truck driver may have been attempting to turn left when the collision took place. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.

Ricardo Gonzalez Jr was extricated from his pickup truck but later died due to the severe nature of his injuries. It remains unclear if the truck driver will receive any citations for the crash.

Devon Avenue was closed from Busse Road to Elmhurst for several hours as officers conducted an investigation.

Liability For Elk Grove Village Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks can weigh over 80,000 lbs and pose a number of unique safety hazards for those in passenger vehicles. Many factors could contribute to a semi-truck accident. According to the FMCSA, ” 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 many steps that truck drivers should take in order to prevent collisions.

• Truck drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
• Truck drivers should constantly scan the road ahead of them.
• Truck drivers should take periodic breaks during their shifts.

Semi-truck drivers are required to get a commercial license and and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Many collisions are due to truck drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-902), any person intending to turn left must first yield the right of way to any vehicle traveling from the opposite direction that is close enough so as to pose a hazard. If a truck driver fails to yield to oncoming traffic before making a left turn, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

The company that a truck driver worked for could also be liable for a collision. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, many truck companies try to evade liability for crashes by hiring their drivers as “independent contractors.” The employment status of any truck driver involved in a crash should be understood. Several other steps should be taken.

• Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
• Medical records should be preserved.
• The truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed.
• The maintenance records for the truck should be examined.
• A thorough investigation should be conducted.

The vast majority of semi-truck accidents are totally preventable and involve some amount of human error. Part of the problem is that truck companies will push their drivers to complete unrealistic delivery schedules. This can leave truck drivers dangerously fatigued and more likely to make fatal errors. The family of any person that died in a semi-truck accident may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.

Investigating Elk Grove Village Semi-Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Ricardo Gonzalez Jr. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to make this intersection safer. No family should ever have to go through something like this.

Do you need more information about an East Grove Village semi-truck accident? Our team of roadway 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 truck companies are held to account for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.