Truck Driver Killed, Child Injured In Kankakee County Truck Accident

Truck Accident - December 27, 2024

Kankakee County Semi-Truck Accident Killed One Person, Injured Child On Illinois Route 17 By Bull Creek Road

KANKAKEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS (December 26, 2024) – A truck driver has tragically died, and a child was injured in a Kankakee County truck accident on Illinois Route 17.

Kankakee County officials are saying that the collision took place around 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday. A semi-truck lost control on the road and crashed head-on into another semi-truck.

At least one of the trucks ended up rolling over and catching fire following the crash. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help all of the victims.

Sadly, one of the truck drivers died due to the severe nature of their injuries. A child was also seriously injured in the crash and taken to the hospital.

Liability for Illinois Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks account for a relatively small number of the total vehicles on the road. But they are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal collisions. According to the IIHS, “Large trucks often weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger vehicles. They are taller and have greater ground clearance than cars, which means that lower-riding vehicles can slide beneath truck trailers, with deadly consequences. Strong underride guards can prevent that from happening.” Truck drivers should take a number of measures in order to prevent fatal collisions.

Truck drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
Truck drivers should ensure their vehicles are well maintained.
Truck drivers should take periodic breaks throughout the day.

Truck drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. Pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/11-709, the driver of any vehicle shall not move from a single lane of traffic until that driver has first ascertained that such a movement can be made with reasonable safety. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that crosses into opposing lanes of traffic and hits another vehicle head-on. It is important that certain steps are taken after any truck accident.

Surveillance footage should be sought.
The logbook of the at-fault truck driver should be reviewed.
Medical records related to the crash should be preserved.
The event data recorder (EDR) of the truck involved should be reviewed.

Fatigue is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that staying awake for only 18 hours reduces a person’s ability to operate their vehicle safely equal to driving with a BAC of 0.05%. Sadly, though, truck companies will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility if one of their drivers is involved in a fatal collision. This is why it is so important that all truck accidents are thoroughly investigated.

Investigating Kankakee County Semi-Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the truck driver killed in this collision. It is our sincere hope that the child injured will be able to make a full recovery. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place.

Do you need more information about a Kankakee County semi-truck accident? Our team of roadway safety advocates is 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 any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.