Automobile accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States. The presence of commercial trucks on the road makes driving even more dangerous. Due to the size and weight of these vehicles an accident with a truck can have devastating results.
Many parties can contribute to a trucking accident and many cases revolve around misconduct by the truck driver. Truck drivers work long hours, usually by themselves, which can cause them to fall subject to fatigue and boredom. These two factors often cause drivers to engage in negligent and reckless conduct while behind the wheel. Now, many drivers are monitored using cameras installed in the cabs of their trucks. A recent Illinois case is centered on footage recorded by one of these cameras.
Jeanette Pivot, 64, was killed in an accident with a tractor trailer. She was traveling down I-80 at night when she realized there was a car accident ahead due to the flashing lights of a police vehicle. She stopped at the accident and was then hit in the rear by a tractor trailer traveling in the same direction who failed to stop in time. A camera installed in the driver’s truck shows him with heavy eyelids and nodding off. It also shows that he does not react to the scene until 1 second before colliding with Pivot.
The driver has been charged with reckless homicide and accused of falling asleep at the wheel. His attorneys claim that he did not fall asleep but was blinded by the scene ahead. Pivot’s daughter has also filed a wrongful death suit against the driver and his employer, Black Horse Carriers, seeking damages for the death of her mother. It is unclear how the video will be perceived in this case.
For now, the debate about the use of cameras in trucks and busses is ongoing. While these devices can show what happened before and after a crash, it is unclear if they actually prevent accidents from occurring.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a trucking accident, you need an experienced attorney. Contact the Chicago, McHenry and Waukegan, Illinois attorneys at Ryan, Ryan & Viglione today by calling (847)244-1436.
