Samuel Huddleston Killed In Cary Illinois School Bus Accident By Cherry Street and Hill Street
Wrongful Death - May 18, 2022
Three-Year-Old Samuel Huddleston Died In Cary School Bus Accident By The Intersection Of Cherry Street and Hill Street
CARY, ILLINOIS (May 17, 2022) – A three-year-old child identified as Samuel Huddleston has tragically died in a Cary school bus accident near the intersection of Cherry Street and Hill Street.
McHenry County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 3:40 p.m. on Monday May, 16. The school bus was driving north on Hill street and turned off Cherry when it hit Samuel Huddleston
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, Samuel Huddleston died due to the severity of their injuries.
The bus driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police. They also underwent post crash testing as required by law. Police said that the details surrounding what led up to the crash are still being pieced together.
A full investigation into the Cary school bus accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Illinois School Bus Accidents
School buses are one of the safest forms of transportation that children can take. According to the NHTSA, “The school bus is the safest vehicle on the road—your child is much safer taking a bus to and from school than traveling by car.” However, school buses pose a number of unique hazards to pedestrians and those in small vehicles.
- School buses have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of pedestrians.
- School buses have a wide turning radius which can make side-impact collisions more likely.
- School buses can weigh as much as 36,000 lbs.
School buses are considered “common carriers” and are held to strict safety standards set forth in the Common Carrier Liability Act (740 ILCS 25/). Bus drivers must operate their vehicles with the highest vigilance and utmost care in order to protect their passengers and those on the roadway. This heightened standard also applies to hiring standards and the maintenance of buses.
Many bus accidents are due to bus drivers that make dangerous turns in the roadway without checking their blind spots. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-902), the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must first yield the right of way to all traffic traveling from the opposite direction that is close enough so as to pose a hazard.
Drivers must be especially cautious around pedestrians. According to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1), all drivers must exercise the proper precaution to avoid hitting “any child or any obviously confused, incapacitated or intoxicated person.” Children can act unpredictably and drivers must take this into consideration. There are many steps that should be taken after any school bus accident.
- Surveillance footage of the accident should be sought.
- Surveillance footage from within the bus should be reviewed.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
When a school bus driver is negligent and hits a pedestrian, their employer could be held vicariously liable for the collision. The family of any victim that died in a school bus accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages can help cover many of the unexpected expenses that can come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Sadly, bus companies will often fight hard to deny responsibility for an accident. This is why it’s so important that evidence is properly preserved.
Investigating An Illinois School Bus Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Samuel Huddleston who died in this Cary school bus accident. 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 Cary school bus accident? Our team of pedestrian 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.
