Semi causes multi-car accident injuring 8 on I-94, 1 critical

Losing concentration while driving a big rig can have devastating consequences. A recent chain-reaction crash in Illinois was reportedly caused by the driver of a semi-truck who failed to keep an eye on the traffic ahead. The multi-car accident reportedly occurred in Gurnee on Interstate 94.

According to an accident report by the Illinois State Police, the crash happened in the late afternoon of a recent Monday. Although the investigation is ongoing, preliminary reports indicate that a big rig was westbound on the interstate when the driver failed to slow down when necessary. The truck smashed into the back of one car, causing a chain of rear-end collisions involving a total of six vehicles.

Reportedly, two of the collisions required emergency workers to extricate the victims from their cars. Eight people suffered injuries, and they were transported to two different hospitals. Authorities reported that one person suffered critical injuries. Minor injuries were reported for the others. Clearing the scene and launching an accident investigation caused road closures for approximately five hours, and no charges were reportedly filed at the time.

The person who suffered critical injuries in this multi-car accident will retain the right to pursue financial relief through the Illinois judicial system. A personal injury claim may be filed in a civil court against the driver of the semi-truck, the driver’s employer and any registered owner of the semi. However, before the court will consider the documented claims for damages sustained by the injured victim, negligence that contributed or caused the injuries will have to be established. Once the court has determined financial liability, a monetary judgment may be entered.

Source: Chicago Tribune, “State Police: Semi started chain-reaction collision on Tri-State“, Frank S. Abderholden, Sept. 20, 2016