Richard Sally Killed In Peoria Box Truck Accident By Knoxville Avenue and Hickory Grove Road

Truck Accident - April 26, 2022

Richard Sally, of Penkin, Died In Peoria Motorcycle Accident With Box Truck By Knoxville Avenue and Hickory Grove Road

Richard Sally Killed In Peoria Box Truck Accident By Knoxville Avenue and Hickory Grove Road

PEORIA, ILLINOIS (April 26, 2022) – A 38-year-old motorcyclist identified as Richard Sally has died in a Peoria box truck accident by Knoxville Avenue and Hickory Grove Road.

Peoria County police officials are saying that the collision took place around 8:35 p.m. on Sunday night. Richard Sally was riding his motorcycle when a box truck turned left in front of him.

The victim was then ejected from his motorcycle and then run over by another motorcycle. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help him.

Richard Sally was taken to the OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center with major injuries. Sadly, he was beyond medical aid and died at the hospital.

Witnesses are saying that victim may have been traveling with a group of other motorcyclists before the fatal collision. It remains unclear if the driver of the box truck will face any citations following the crash.

Liability In Peoria Box Truck Accidents

Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable in collisions. They are more likely to be overlooked by drivers due to their size. In the event of a crash, they are far less crashworthy than an enclosed vehicle. The NHTSA estimates that in 2019 alone, 5,014 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents. They also project that nearly 2,000 motorcyclists are saved every year by wearing helmets. Commercial trucks can be particularly dangerous to motorcyclists for the following reasons.

  • Commercial trucks have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of motorcyclists.
  • Commercial trucks have a wide turning radius thereby making side-impact collisions more likely.
  • Commercial trucks can weigh 80,000 lbs and take the length of two football fields to come to a stop.

Truck drivers will typically need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Many collisions are due to truck drivers that make dangerous left turns in front of other vehicles. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-902), the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left within an intersection, road or alley shall yield the right of way to all vehicles traveling from the opposite direction close enough so as to pose a hazard. If a driver makes a left turn in front of a motorcyclist, they will typically be held at fault in the event of a collision.

Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a truck accident could extend beyond any driver. In general, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. A truck company could also be liable for a crash if they pushed drivers to violate safety regulations. Truck drivers are more likely to become dangerously fatigued and crash if they exceed their allotted hours to drive. There are steps that should be taken after any truck accident.

  • The employment status of the truck driver should be determined.
  • The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be examined.
  • The truck driver’s work logbook should be reviewed.
  • A truck driver may need to undergo a drug test.
  • A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.

If a truck driver is negligent and kills a motorcyclist they can be held to account through a civil claim. The family of any victim that died in a truck 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. Sadly, though, truck companies will fight hard to deny liability for any crash involving their drivers. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating A Peoria Box Truck Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Richard Sally. Any person that may have more information about this accident should reach out to the Peoria police department. There are a number of questions that need to be answered. What was this truck driver doing prior to the accident? Were they distracted? Could this tragedy have been prevented?

Do you need more information about a Peoria box truck accident? Our team of motorcycle 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 can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.