Driver in fatal Illinois truck accident facing serious charges
On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Truck Accidents on Wednesday, November 20, 2013.
As truck drivers are often driving long distances for several hours a day, there are a number of regulations put in place to ensure their safety as well as the safety of other drivers. As driving while sleepy or tired can cause a driver to have a delayed reaction or face the possibility of falling asleep at the wheel, there are rules that truckers must follow concerning taking breaks and amount of time that is allowed to be driven. If a driver violates these regulations, a truck accident could occur, and serious injuries and fatalities could take place.
A similar situation took place in Illinois when a truck driver violated trucking regulations and was involved in an accident. Reports state that an Illinois State Trooper was in his vehicle on the side of a roadway when it was hit by a semi-truck. The vehicle traveled approximately 500 feet after impact and then caught fire. The trooper suffered fatal injuries as a result of the accident.
The truck driver has recently been charged for violating trucking regulations, though the report did not indicate the specific charges. It was noted that drugs and alcohol were both absent from his system at the time of the accident. If he is convicted in relation to the allegations he currently faces, he could face jail time from one to three years.
Losing an Illinois State Trooper can have a devastating impact not only on his family but also on a community. It was noted that several fellow troopers appeared at the hearing for the truck driver in support of the victim and his family. Because the family lost a loved one in the truck accident, they may wish to gather information on wrongful death claims to determine whether they could possibly be entitled to compensation for their loss and other damages. If the truck driver is convicted of the charges he currently faces, the chances of a success for a claim could possibly increase.
Source: ABC Chicago, Wis. man charged in I-294 crash that killed Ill. state trooper, No author, Nov. 13, 2013
