Suspect Killed In Chicago Semi-Truck Accident During Police Pursuit

Truck Accident - December 15, 2023

Chicago Police Department Suspect Died In Hit-And-Run Semi-Truck Accident

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (December 14, 2023) – A Chicago Police Department suspect has tragically died during a pursuit after being hit by a semi-truck along South Cicero Avenue.

Cook County officials are saying that the events unfolded in the Austin neighborhood. Police approached a man who was suspected of driving a stolen vehicle.

The incident began at an auto cleaning service on South Cicero Avenue. When police approached, a 24-year-old man exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

Shortly after the police pursuit, the suspect was hit by a truck. The driver of the semi-truck did not stop at the scene. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.

Sadly, he was pronounced dead around 3:00 p.m. that same day. A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Chicago Semi-Truck Accidents

Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable to the hazards posed by large trucks. According to the IIHS, “A total of 4,714 people died in large truck crashes in 2021, a 17 percent increase compared with 2020. Sixteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 68 percent were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 15 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists.” There are many steps that truck drivers should take to avoid hitting pedestrians.

• Truck drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
• Truck drivers should slow down at intersections and other areas with likely pedestrian traffic.
• Truck drivers should be well rested before the start of their shift. Fatigue is one of the leading causes of semi-truck accidents.

Truck drivers must get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Many truck accidents are due to speeding. According to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-601, no person shall operate a motor vehicle at a speed greater than would be reasonable or prudent given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. When a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any truck accident.

• Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
• Medical records should be preserved.
• Surveillance footage should be sought.
• Photos of the accident site should be taken.

If a semi-truck driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the negligent acts of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. The family of any person that died in a semi-truck accident may have legal recourse through a civil claim.

Investigating Chicago Pedestrian Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man that died in this semi-truck accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. The truck driver involved in this crash should do the right thing and come forward. It is never too late to do the right thing.

Do you need more information about a Chicago semi-truck accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. 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 any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.