Virginia Hayes Killed In Morris Semi-Truck Accident On Pine Bluff Road

Truck Accident - October 2, 2022

Virginia Hayes, 20, Died In Morris Semi-Truck Accident Along Pine Bluff Road

MORRIS, ILLINOIS (October 2, 2022) – A 20-year-old woman identified as Virginia Hayes was killed in a Morris semi-truck accident along Pine Bluff Road.

Grundy County officials are saying that the accident took place around midnight on Friday. Virginia Hayes was a passenger in a vehicle that developed car problems.

The driver of the car pulled to the side of the road. Not long after Virginia Hayes exited the vehicle, she was hit by an eastbound semi-truck.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite the best efforts of first responders, the young woman died as a result of her injuries.

Police interviewed the driver of the semi-truck who remained at the scene. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability In Morris Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks are responsible for transporting the vast majority of goods that are bought and sold across the United States. They are essential for the economy, but they also pose a number of unique hazards to pedestrians and those in smaller vehicles.  According to the IIHS, “Truck braking capability can be a factor in truck crashes. Loaded tractor-trailers require 20-40 percent more distance than cars to stop, and the discrepancy is greater on wet and slippery roads or with poorly maintained brakes. Truck driver fatigue also is a known crash risk.” There are a number of steps that truck companies should take in order to help reduce accidents.

• Trucks should be regularly inspected and adequately maintained.
• Truck drivers should be well rested before the start of their shift.
• Trucks can be equipped with safety features such as forward collision avoidance systems.

All people have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians. Commercial drivers are held to a high standard and must operate their vehicles with the highest vigilance necessary to safeguard the wellbeing of other people on the road. Pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/11-601(a), every driver must reduce their speed when necessary in order to avoid collisions. If a truck driver fails to reduce their speed and strikes a pedestrian in the middle of the road, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Truck drivers are expected to slow down during periods of low visibility when they cannot see what is ahead of them.

Depending on the facts of any case, the company that a truck driver worked for could be held at fault. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. By contrast, employers are typically not liable for the wrongful actions of the “independent contractors” that they hire – unless those workers were performing some type of non-delegable duty. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.

• The employment status of the truck driver should be determined.
• The truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed.
• Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
• A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.

Truck accidents can be very complex events. The elements that could contribute to a truck accident could take place hours, weeks or months prior to an accident. It is crucial that all evidence is preserved after any semi-truck accident. Truck companies will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for any crash. Evidence is what will ultimately be used to determine liability for any crash.

Investigating A Morris Semi-Truck Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Virginia Hayes. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There are so many questions that need to be answered. Was the truck driver involved in this crash speeding? Were they distracted? Were they fatigued?

Do you need more information about a Morris pedestrian accident? Our team of pedestrian 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 truck drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.