Chicago, IL — February 1, 2025, a woman was killed following a pedestrian versus truck accident at approximately 8:45 a.m. along South Western Avenue.

According to authorities, a 76-year-old woman was on foot in the vicinity of South Western Avenue and Monroe Street when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the woman was struck by a northbound truck. She suffered reportedly critical injuries due to the collision and was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive immediate treatment. However, she was ultimately unable to overcome the severity of her injuries, having later been declared deceased. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a pedestrian is struck and killed by a truck, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why the driver didn’t avoid the collision. In my experience handling truck accident cases, these incidents are rarely as simple as a pedestrian stepping into harm’s way—there are often additional factors that need to be examined.

One of the first things investigators should determine is whether the truck driver was paying full attention. Urban environments require constant awareness, especially at intersections where pedestrians are likely to be present. Reviewing dashcam footage, phone records, and eyewitness accounts can help establish whether distraction played a role in the crash.

Another important factor is visibility. Trucks have large blind spots, but that doesn’t mean a pedestrian in a crosswalk or near an intersection is impossible to see. Investigators should examine whether the driver had a clear view of the road ahead and whether the truck was equipped with proper mirrors, cameras, or other safety features to assist with detecting pedestrians.

If the truck was a commercial vehicle, then the company’s role should also be scrutinized. Was the driver properly trained to operate in high-foot-traffic areas? Were they following a realistic schedule, or were they under pressure to meet deadlines that encouraged unsafe driving? A company that prioritizes efficiency over safety can create conditions where crashes like this become more likely.

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain critical evidence, it’s essential to examine every factor to ensure those impacted by the incident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.