Saul Hernandez Killed In Palatine Car Accident On Interstate 53

Pedestrian Accident - December 11, 2024

Investigation Underway After Saul Hernandez, 37, of Wheeling, Died In Tesla Pedestrian Accident on Interstate 53 In Palatine

Saul Hernandez Killed In Palatine Car Accident On Interstate 53

PALATINE, ILLINOIS (December 11, 2024) – A 37-year-old man identified as Saul Hernandez has tragically died in a Palatine car accident on Interstate 53.

Cook County officials are saying that the incident took place around 4:56 p.m. on Monday. Saul Hernandez was crossing Interstate 53 when he was hit by a gray Tesla.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Saul Hernandez was taken to the hospital in order to receive treatment.

Despite lifesaving measures, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital. A full investigation into the Palatine car accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Palatine Car Accidents

Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in pedestrian accidents every year in the United States. According to the IIHS, “Deaths from motor vehicle crashes with pedestrians have increased 83% since reaching their low point in 2009 and account for 18% of crash fatalities. The rates of pedestrian crash deaths per 100,000 people are highest for people ages 20 and over.” There are a number of factors that could contribute to a pedestrian accident.

  • Fatigue: Staying awake for only 18 hours reduces a person’s ability to drive safely equal to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%.
  • Speeding: Drivers are substantially more likely to lose control of their vehicles at higher rates of speed. Even driving the speed limit could be dangerous depending on the weather conditions.
  • Left Turns: The vast majority of accidents that occur at intersections involve drivers making left turns. Drivers can easily get distracted as they are looking for cross traffic.

All drivers have a legal obligation to take reasonable measures in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. 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. If a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a civil claim.

Depending on the facts of any case, Tesla could also be liable for a pedestrian accident involving one of their vehicles. Tesla vehicles have the unique ability to operate in autonomous and semi-autonomous modes. If one of these modes was activated when the vehicle hit a pedestrian, this may involve some level of negligence. These systems are supposed to be superhuman in their ability to detect hazards and take evasive action to avoid collisions. It is important that several steps are taken after any accident involving a Tesla.

  • Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
  • Medical records should be preserved.
  • Surveillance footage should be sought.
  • Footage from the Tesla involved in the crash should be preserved.
  • It should be determined if the Tesla was in ‘Autopilot’ mode.

Pedestrian accidents are often highly preventable. This is true even if a pedestrian was in the middle of the roadway or crossing at some spot other than an intersection. Drivers are supposed to scan the road ahead of them and take appropriate action. When a driver fails to take reasonable steps to avoid hitting a pedestrian, they can be held to account through a wrongful death claim.

Investigating Palatine Pedestrian Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Saul Hernandez. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what took place.

Do you need more information about a Palatine pedestrian accident? Our team of pedestrian accident attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. 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 any collision, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.