A collision outside of Springfield left a 57-year-old woman dead and another injured on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred on Illinois 16 in Pana at about 2:00 p.m. and local police are still investigating.
The crash involved a Harley Davidson motorcycle carrying a 57-year-old male driver and a 57-year-old female passenger. The biker slowed the motorcycle, intending to turn into a parking lot before U.S. 51. A semi truck was behind the motorcycle and failed to slow down to avoid a crash. The truck rear-ended the motorcycle, ejecting both riders from the bike and injuring them. It is not clear whether the semi truck driver was hurt in the collision.
Emergency crews responded to the scene of the crash and transported both motorcyclists to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. The female passenger was airlifted to the hospital but did not survive her injuries; she was pronounced dead at St. John’s on Wednesday. The male driver is expected to survive but his current condition and the extent of his injuries are not currently known.
The 34-year-old truck driver has been charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid a collision but it is possible that more charges could be brought, depending on the results of the investigation being conducted by the police.
Collisions between semis and motorcycles cause some of the worst injuries in any accident. The massive size and weight of a truck compared to the small size, weight, and lack of protection of a motorcycle makes it very difficult for a rider to escape injuries when hit by a semi. Not only that, but the weight of a loaded semi truck makes it difficult to slow or stop the vehicle in time to prevent an accident. These are reasons that truck drivers must exercise extreme caution when on the roads and always put safety first. From the early reports, it sounds like the truck driver in this case did neither.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you have rights. You may be able to bring a claim for your damages against the person responsible for your accident which will allow you to recover financially for your losses. After an accident, this can provide you with money to pay your medical bills and replace any wages you were unable to earn.
If you have been hurt, call the Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today for a free case consultation. We care about you and we care about your injuries so we make ourselves available 24 hours a day at (312) 924-7575. We also offer free in-home and in-hospital consultations for those victims who want to meet with us but are too hurt to come to our office. Call us today and let us help you get a recovery you deserve.
Prior Blog Entries:
Driver Flees after Hitting Boy, 13, in Aurora, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published June 21, 2013.
Motorcycle Deaths Increasing in Illinois, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published June 20, 2013.
Resources:
Motorcyclist killed in collision with truck in Pana, The State Journal-Register, published June 19, 2013.