Allegedly fatigued truck driver hits Illinois State Trooper

 Posted on December 05,2013 in Firm News

Those who drive semi-trailers through Sangamon County are only qualified to do so after having passed numerous tests regarding road safety and awareness. Yet even such extensive training doesn’t make them immune from some of the regular problems that drivers face behind the wheel, such as fatigue and drowsiness. The trouble is that when these drivers experience such problems, their massive trucks are much more unforgiving than a compact sedan, as abrupt movements from overcorrection can send them and their cargos flying. Anyone in the path of such an accident could be in great danger.

Such was the tragic case of an Illinois State Trooper who was killed when a tractor-trailer struck his idling police car on the Tri-State Tollway. The driver was hauling over 9,000 lbs. of fuel en route to Kentucky when it’s believed that he became fatigued. Witnesses saw the truck drifting off the road when it struck the Trooper’s vehicle. Attempts to save him proved futile. While the driver was not found to have any drugs or alcohol in his system, he is still facing charges for violating trucking regulations prohibiting drivers from traveling over 14 hours without sufficient rest.

Sadly, the results of many tractor trailer accidents have similar tragic outcomes. For the families of victims, the loss of a loved one in this way can leave a deep emotional and financial void, especially if the victim was a provider. In such an event, the family may wish to pursue civil action in order to win compensation from the trucker or his or her company to help deal with pain and suffering that they’re forced to endure. Those wanting to initiate such action may first wish to speak with a personal injury lawyer.

Source: ABC7Chicago.com “Wis. Man charged in I-294 crash that killed Ill. State trooper” Nov. 13, 2013