Feds Declare Trucker from Fatal I-88 Crash an “Imminent Hazard”

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Feds Declare Trucker from Fatal I-88 Crash an “Imminent Hazard”

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Following last month’s crash on I-88 that left a tollway worker dead and an Illinois State Police officer critically injured, an investigation by federal officials has deemed the truck driver who caused the accident an “imminent hazard to public safety,” and barred him from operating commercial vehicles in the future.

The auto accident occurred when a Chicago-area trucker crashed into the police officer’s car and the tollway worker’s truck, which were parked near the interstate as they assisted a stalled vehicle. A federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation revealed that the trucker had falsified his records, and that he had driven 1000 miles with as little as three and a half hours of rest—a violation of federal law.

The Chicago-area trucker responsible for the auto accident has been formally charged with three different class four felonies: driving beyond the 11 and 14 hour driving limits, falsifying log books, and operating a vehicle while ill or fatigued. He is now prohibited from operating commercial vehicles.

Criminal and Civil Charges After an Auto Accident

In addition to the criminal charges officially filed against him, the trucker under investigation may face civil charges, as well. The police officer injured and the family of the tollway worker killed in this tragic auto accident may press charges not only against the driver, but against the commercial trucking company he was working for at the time.

When an auto accident like this occurs, whether near Chicago or anywhere else across the country, the injured deserve justice. No one should suffer an injury or lose their life because of the recklessness of another, and an individual who causes an auto accident should be held accountable for their actions.

Who is Named in an Auto Accident Lawsuit?

Commercial drivers are held to the same standard as anyone else on the road, and when they cause auto accidents like last month’s I-88 crash, they—and the companies they represent—can be held liable.

Truckers, taxi and limousine drivers, train operators, and others are all responsible for practicing safe habits, and driving while fatigued is just one way in which they can put themselves and others in danger. Driving at unsafe speeds, operating a vehicle while impaired, and simple moving violations can all result in the death or injury of pedestrians and other drivers.

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a commercial driver, holding them accountable doesn’t stop with criminal charges. Contact our team of Chicago auto accident lawyers, who can help you stand up to the commercial transit companies and get the justice you deserve.