Will Winterton Injured In Byron Truck Accident

Truck Accident - April 19, 2024

18-Year-Old Will Winterton Injured In Byron Car Accident Involving Skid Loader and Truck By North German Church Road and North Kulfalk Lane

BYRON, ILLINOIS (April 19, 2024) – Will Winterton was injured in a Byron collision after his skid loader was hit from behind by a truck near North German Church Road and North Kulfalk Lane.

Ogle County officials are saying that the incident took place around 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Will Winterton was riding a piece of farm equipment identified as a skip loader.

He was struck from behind by a 48-year-old truck driver from Dixon. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.

Will Winterton was taken to a Rockford hospital in order to receive care. Police cited the truck driver for failing to reduce speed in order to avoid an accident.

Liability For Byron Truck Accidents

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident that occurs each year. They are also the most avoidable. Speeding remains a leading cause of these incidents. According to the NHTSA, “For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. In 2021, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities.” There are a number of other factors that could potentially lead to a collision.

• Car accidents are much more likely to take place during periods of inclement weather.
• Car accidents often involve drivers who are distracted.
• Car accidents are more likely when drivers are fatigued.
• Car accidents may involve vehicle system failures, such as a driver’s brakes going out.

All drivers have a legal obligation to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of them. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-710), “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.” There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver who fails to slow down to avoid hitting another vehicle in their own lane of traffic.

Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a truck accident could extend beyond any driver. The company that a truck driver worked for could also be liable for a crash. 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. However, truck companies will often hire their drivers as “independent contractors.” Several steps should be taken after any truck accident.

• Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
• Medical records related to the accident should be preserved.
• Maintenance records for the truck involved should be examined.
• Surveillance footage should be sought.

The factors that may contribute to a truck accident can take place hours or even months beforehand. In particular, it is common for truck companies to push their drivers to fulfill unrealistic delivery timelines. For that reason, it is not a surprise that fatigue played a role in 10% of all fatal collisions. It is important for accident victims to understand that they do have rights. Any person who is injured in a truck accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.

Investigating Ogle County Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to Will Winterton. It is our sincere hope that he is able to make a full recovery. This was a preventable crash that should not have taken place. County officials should consider additional measures to help make this stretch of road safer.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in an Ogle County crash? Our team of roadway safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the support that they need to recover. Whether you have any legal questions or need any type of support, we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.