Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Illinois Bicyclist Killed In Crash - Police Search for Semi-Truck

Another Illinois bicyclist has passed away as a result of a collision with a motor vehicle. In this most recent case, the bicyclist was struck by a semi-truck in the early morning of March 28, 2016. Illinois State Police say their preliminary investigation reveals Jason Hearty, a 30 year old Altamont resident, was riding his bicycle westbound on Route 40 traveling to his workplace in St. Elmo, when his bicycle was struck by an unknown semi-truck that left the scene. 

State Police say the crash occurred at 6:20 a.m. Fayette County Coroner pronounced Mr. Hearty dead at the scene at 7:00 a.m. According to news reports, Fayette County authorities say a semi-truck, matching a witness’s description of the semi-truck involved, was spotted near Highland earlier Monday morning.

No further details have been released in the media. Illinois State Police Crash Reconstruction Officers and Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigators are continuing to investigate the fatal crash, along with the Fayette County Coroner’s Office.

Unfortunately, Mr. Hearty is the latest victim in a number of fatal bicycle crashes that have occurred in recent months in Illinois. With bicycling season in full swing, the Illinois Bicycle Attorneys of Keating Law Offices plead with motorists to share the road and drive with a heightened sense of awareness for bicyclists. Too many lives have been tragically lost in preventable collisions such as this.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Hearty’s family and friends.

Keating Law Offices is the premiere personal injury law firm representing victims of bicycle accidents in Illinois. The firm is based in Chicago, Illinois and represents clients throughout Illinois. If you have any questions regarding this post or have a question regarding personal injury law, please contact Illinois Bicycle Attorney Mike Keating at 312-239-6787 (Office) or 312-208-7702 (Nights/Weekends). Our staff and operators are available around the clock. You can also email Mike@KeatingLegal.com 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All e-mails and phone calls are returned promptly. All initial consultations are confidential and free.