Truck Driver Injured In Bond County Semi-Truck Accident On I-70

Truck Accident - February 18, 2024

Illinois State Police Investigating Semi-Truck Accident on Illinois 70 Between Pocahontas and Pierron

BOND COUNTY, ILLINOIS (February 18, 2024) – A truck driver was seriously injured in a Bond County semi-truck accident along Interstate 70 by Pocahontas and Pierron.

Bond County officials are saying that the collision took place around 2:25 p.m. on Tuesday. A semi-truck driver was traveling eastbound on I-70 when a second semi-truck merged directly into its path.

The first semi-truck hit the rear of the merging semi-truck before coming to rest in a ditch. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.

He was transported to a local hospital in a medical helicopter with serious injuries. A full investigation into the Bond County semi-truck accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Illinois Semi-Truck Accidents

Driving a tractor-trailer truck remains one of the most dangerous jobs in America. More than one in seven on-the-job deaths every year occur in heavy trucking. According to one report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 843 truck drivers were killed on the job in 2019. This represents a slight increase from the previous year. There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a semi-truck accident.

Semi-trucks are very difficult to maneuver and have an extremely wide turning radius.
Semi-trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs and can take the length of two football fields to come to a stop.
Semi-trucks have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of other vehicles.

All truck drivers must get a commercial driver’s license. They are held to a very high standard in terms of safety. A large portion of truck accidents are due to truck drivers that make dangerous lane merges. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-709), “A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.” If a truck driver made a dangerous lane merge into the path of another vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

Depending on the facts of any case, the company that a truck driver worked for could potentially be liable for a collision. In general, employers are liable for the tortious conduct of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, many truck companies will try to evade liability for crashes by hiring truck drivers as “independent contractors.” It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any truck accident.

The work records of the negligent truck driver should be examined.
Surveillance footage should be sought.
Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
Photos of the accident site should be taken.

Semi-truck accidents tend to be highly complex. The factors that contribute to a semi-truck accident may take place hours, days or even months before the crash. In far too many situations, truck companies push their drivers to complete unrealistic delivery schedules. It is important for accident victims to understand that they do have rights. Any person that is injured in a car accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.

Investigating Bond County Semi-Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to the truck driver injured in this collision. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. This was a preventable collision that should not have taken place. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Bond County semi-truck accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of truck accident attorneys are 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 any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.