5 people killed in tragic Illinois truck accident

 Posted on August 12,2014 in Firm News

The aftermath of a truck accident can be catastrophic. When a commercial vehicle is involved in a collision, there is often significant property damage, road closures, extensive cleanup efforts and emergency responders on the scene. This is all in addition to the most devastating damage: the injuries of people involved in the crash.

Injuries suffered in any motor vehicle accident can be quite serious, whether they involve broken bones, brain trauma or spinal cord damage. But when the vehicle that caused a crash is enormous and weighs as much as 80,000 pounds, injuries on a whole new level are reported. In many cases, victims of a truck accident are killed or suffer life-changing and permanent injuries.

Sadly, the injuries suffered by five victims in a recent truck accident in Illinois turned out to be fatal after a speeding semi-trailer made an unsafe lane change. Three other vehicles were unable to avoid the unexpected moves of the truck and they were all involved in a serious crash. All told, five people were killed and three others were injured.

According to early reports on the crash, this incident could have likely been avoided. Authorities say that the trucker was in violation of the Hours of Service regulations with which truckers are expected to comply. He had evidently been on the road for 12 hours, which is one hour longer than what is permitted. Additionally, he was charged with failure to reduce speed to prevent an accident and for false reporting of driving records.

Many trucking accidents are the result of a tired, distracted or reckless truck driver. Operating a huge vehicle under these conditions can be a devastating decision, as it puts the lives of other motorists in serious danger. In order to hold a negligent party accountable for their actions and for the damage that has been suffered as a result, victims of truck accidents and their families may want to consider speaking with an attorney to take legal action and pursue compensation.

Source: CBS Chicago, "Fifth Person Dies After I-55 Truck Crash," Aug. 7, 2014