Sheila Macon, Ciara Macon Killed In Hamel Semi-Truck Accident By Illinois 4 and Illinois 140
Truck Accident - October 9, 2022
Sheila Macon, of Greenville, Ciara Macon (Full Name: Ciara Renee Macon), of Alton, Killed In Madison County Semi-Truck Accident By Illinois 4 and Illinois 140 Near Hamel
HAMEL, ILLINOIS (October 9, 2022) – Two people identified as Sheila Macon and Ciara Macon were killed in a Hamel semi-truck accident by Illinois 4 and Illinois 140.
Madison County officials are saying that the accident took place on Wednesday. Sheila Macon and her granddaughter Ciara Macon were in an SUV when their vehicle was hit by a tractor-trailer.
Police are saying that the truck driver disobeyed a stop sign prior to the crash. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victims.
Despite the best efforts of first responders, Sheila Macon and Ciara Macon both were pronounced dead at the scene. State police issued a citation to the truck driver for disobeying the stop sign.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Madison County Semi-Truck Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in semi-truck accidents every year. According to the IIHS, “A total of 4,014 people died in large truck crashes in 2020. Fifteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 68 percent were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 16 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists.” There are a number of factors that make semi-trucks particularly dangerous.
- Semi-trucks have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of smaller vehicles.
- Semi-trucks can weigh 80,000 lbs and take much longer to stop than smaller vehicles.
- Semi-trucks have a high center of gravity and are much more likely to be involved in underride collisions.
All truck drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. Many truck accidents are due to truck drivers that disobey traffic laws. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1204, any person approaching a stop sign must stop at the intersection and continue to yield the right of way until it is safe to proceed. Any person that is involved in a collision after disregarding a stop sign could be held liable for the crash through the doctrine of negligence per se.
Depending on the facts of any case, the company that a truck driver worked for could be held at fault for a collision. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a truck driver may have been delivering packages when they were involved in a crash. There are a number of items that should be investigated after any semi-truck accident.
- The employment status of the truck driver should be determined.
- The event data recorder of the truck should be examined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any semi-truck accident. But it is important to remember that accident victims do have rights. Unfortunately, though, truck companies will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for any accident involving their driver. This is why it is so important that evidence is properly preserved. Evidence will pain a picture of what happened regardless of what any person may claim.
Investigating A Madison County Semi-Truck Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Sheila Macon and Ciara Macon. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a preventable tragedy that should have not taken place. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other accidents like this.
Do you need more information about a Madison County semi-truck accident? Our team of consumer 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 negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions. 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.