Steven Cornett Killed in Champaign Car Accident on Interstate 74

Pedestrian Accident - Truck Accident - May 27, 2026

Steven A. Cornett, 74, of Danville, Died in Champaign Car Accident during Construction Work on Interstate 74

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS (May 27, 2026) – A construction worker identified as Steven Cornett has tragically died in a Champaign car accident along Interstate 74.

Champaign County officials are saying that the accident took place around 3:35 a.m. on Wednesday. Steven Cornett was working at the construction site when he was hit by a pickup truck pulling a trailer.

Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. Sadly, Steven Cornett was pronounced dead at the construction site.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances leading up to the crash.

Liability for Champaign County Car Accidents

Every driver in Illinois has a legal obligation to use caution to avoid colliding with pedestrians and other vehicles. They must be particularly cautious when entering any construction zone. According to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-605.1, “A person may not operate a motor vehicle in a construction or maintenance speed zone at a speed in excess of the posted speed limit when workers are present.” There are many factors that contribute to construction zone accidents.

• Speed: Drivers may be traveling at a speed that would be unsafe given the prevailing road conditions. Even traveling the speed limit may be unsafe during periods of poor weather or reduced visibility.
• Fatigue: Drivers may be fatigued as they are heading through construction zones. This is particularly common as drivers are traveling at night.
• Intoxication: A large portion of pedestrian accidents involve drivers that are intoxicated.

When a worker is injured in Illinois, they will typically have recourse through the workers’ compensation system. This is also true in the tragic event where a worker dies. Workers’ compensation operates through a no-fault insurance scheme to help workers. Injured workers and their surviving family members are also able to pursue some measure of accountability through a third-party liability claim. A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident.

Third-Party Liability for Construction Zone Accidents

Car accidents remain one of the major causes of preventable injury and death for workers across the United States. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2023, 898 people were killed and 40,170 people were injured in work zone crashes. […] Work zone deaths reached a high in 2002, at 1,186. The fewest work zone deaths occurred in 2010, with 586. Since 2010, work zone deaths have increased 53%, but have decreased 6% since 2021.” There could be several sources of third-party liability for any construction zone accident.

• Drivers: A driver that hit a pedestrian at a work zone could be held at fault. Drivers must operate their vehicles at a safe speed at all times and exercise caution to avoid colliding with a pedestrian.
• Company: If the driver of a pickup truck or other vehicle was working at the time of a crash, their employer could potentially be held at fault.
• Construction Company: The construction company responsible for safety at a construction zone could potentially be liable for an accident if they failed to protect workers.

Accidents at construction zones are often highly preventable. They tend to involve drivers that are not properly paying attention to the road ahead of them. Another major issue is that construction companies may not use flaggers and other safety precautions to keep workers visible during the night. It is vital that victims of construction accidents understand that they do have legal options. The family of any person who died in a construction zone accident is able to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Investigating Champaign County Construction Zone Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Steven Cornett. This was a preventable tragedy that should’ve never taken place. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Do you need more information about an Illinois construction zone accident? Our team of workplace safety advocates is here for you. We are committed to making Illinois a safer place for all roadway workers through skilled advocacy and community engagement. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.