Pedestrian accidents: Garbage truck strikes, kills Illinois woman

On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Pedestrian Accidents on Wednesday, February 5, 2014.

Many individuals of all ages continue to utilize walking as their means to get from one place to another, especially if they do not have a vehicle of their own. Though this type of travel could result in beneficial exercise, it is important to remember that pedestrians are at risk of being severely injured by passing vehicles. Because people who are walking do not have much protection, pedestrian accidents can result in serious or fatal injuries.

A woman in Illinois recently suffered fatal injuries after being hit by a garbage truck. The victim was apparently walking to a bus stop when the accident occurred. The driver of the truck was apparently on duty and following the normal route when the woman was hit. Details about the garbage truck company and driver were not disclosed in the report.

The woman was reported as being 70 years old and having suffered severe head injuries from the accident. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident in order to determine what factors may have contributed to the fatal event.

Pedestrian accidents are situations that should be taken very seriously, even more so when a fatality occurs. As authorities work to investigate the incident, funeral arrangements will likely be made for the victim. Because the driver involved was on the job at the time of the accident, it is possible that the company for which the driver works could be held liable, in part, for the situation if authorities deem it appropriate. Therefore, the family of the victim may have certain legal options available to them for filing a wrongful death claim. Illinois laws concerning such claims and their particular circumstances could give the concerned parties reliable information that could help them during their decision-making process.

Source: wandtv.com, 70-Year Old Decatur Woman Dies, No author, Jan. 29, 2014