Small vehicles generally do not fare well if they should collide with a semitrailer truck. The greater weight of the large trucks puts any smaller vehicle at an immediate disadvantage, and generally, such accidents inflict severe damage on the smaller vehicle and its occupants. A recent collision in Long Grove provides an interesting exception to this general but traqic rule.
A semitrailer truck was heading north on Route 83 in Long Grove at about 11:00 a.m. when it encountered a southbound SUV attempting to make a left turn onto Westmoreland Drive. The SUV entered the semi’s travel lane, and the two vehicles collided. Preliminary investigation shows that the driver of the semi attempted to swerve to its right to avoid hitting the SUV. The semi was not successful; it struck a light pole after hitting the SUV and ended up in a roadside ditch. Police pronounced the driver of the semi dead at the scene. The driver of the SUV was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with were described as non-life-threatening injuries.
No explanation was offered by police for the apparent failure of either driver to see the other vehicle and either stop or take measures to avoid the collision. Police have not indicated whether either driver was impaired by drugs or alcohol prior to the accident. Also, the mechanical condition of the two vehicles was not disclosed. One or both vehicles could have suffered from a malfunction in their brake systems.
Anyone who has suffered an injury or lost a loved one under similar circumstances may wish to consider pursuing a claim for damages against the negligent party. A consultation with an experienced accident lawyer can provide a helpful evaluation of the evidence and an estimate of the likelihood of recovering damages for medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering. Also, the semi driver’s family may have a claim for workers’ compensation death benefits if he was engaged in his employment at the time of the accident.