Two People Killed In Springfield Semi-Truck Accident On Interstate 55
Truck Accident - November 28, 2022
Two People Died In Springfield Semi-Truck Accident After Truck Crossed Center Median On Interstate 55
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (November 27, 2022) – Two people died in a Springfield semi-truck accident after a truck crossed the interstate 55 median by the Pawnee-Auburn Exit 82.
Sangamon County officials are saying that the accident took place around 8:47 p.m. on Sunday. A semi-truck crossed the median and drove into the wrong direction for the southbound lanes of traffic.
Two vehicles identified as a Ford Taurus and a pickup truck were involved in a collision with the semi-truck. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victims.
The driver of the pickup truck died at the scene. A passenger in the Ford Taurus was taken to the hospital and later pronounced dead.
The driver of the Ford Taurus was taken to the Springfield Memorial Hospital in an ambulance in order to receive treatment.
A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Springfield Semi-Truck Accidents
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs. It can take a semi-truck traveling at 65 mph the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop. There are many factors that could contribute to a semi-truck accident. According to the FMCSA, “Elements that influence the occurrence of a crash may take place hours, days, or months before the crash. They include driver training and experience, vehicle design and manufacture, highway condition and traffic signaling, and weather conditions.” There are a number of steps that semi-truck drivers should take to avoid collisions.
- Truck drivers should slow down during periods of reduced visibility.
- Truck drivers should take periodic breaks during their shift.
- Truck drivers should continuously scan the road for hazards.
Semi-truck drivers will need to get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Many truck accidents are due to speeding. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-601, no person shall drive a motor vehicle at a speed greater than what would be reasonable given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a semi-truck driver lost control of their vehicle due to traveling too fast, 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 face civil liability for a collision. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees are working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a semi-truck driver may have been delivering packages when they were involved in a crash. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any collision. But it is important to remember that accident victims are aware of their rights. They do have the ability to recover damages through a civil claim. However, it is common for truck companies to deny liability for any collision. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly preserved after a collision.
Investigating an Illinois Semi-Truck Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the families of the two people who died in this collision. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be an investigation into what happened for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Springfield 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 those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
