Policeman James Sauter was struck last Thursday in an explosive crash when a semitrailer truck struck his police cruiser on I-294 near Willow Road. Sauter, age 28, had stopped his car to assist a motorist and has just climbed back into his car when a tractor-trailer struck him from behind. Both vehicles instantly burst into flames and Sauter was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sauter had been a member of the police since 2008 and won the State Police’s Lifesaving Medal in his first year of service for helping save a female motorcycle crash victim who he saw on his way to the police training academy. Sauter is survived by his wife, Elizabeth and family.
“Trooper Sauter left a legacy of courage, honor and duty”, said ISP Director Hiram Grau. “Our hearts are heavy with grief, but they are also strengthened by Trooper Sauter’s brave calling and dedicated service.”
A Fox Chicago news correspondent reported that the driver of the tractor trailer sustained only minor injuries and is currently being investigated. Police believe that Sauter was parked on the left shoulder in the southbound lanes of I-294 near Willow Road when the vehicle burst into flames. Police confirm that Illinois law requires semi trucks to be in the two right lanes. Investigators are currently talking to witnesses and reviewing wreckage to recreate the accident and put together evidence.
The truck collision lawyers at Shapiro, Cohen and Basinger, Ltd. have represented victims in numerous truck accident cases and are skilled at handling all the intricacies of truck collision cases. Semi-trailer trucks are unique motor vehicles and drivers are regulated by numerous federal and state statutes. Lawyers need to be conversant with all of the special considerations involved in truck accidents.
Our firm recently obtained a multi-million dollar settlement for a young woman who was struck and killed by a semi-tractor trailer that was driving on a restricted roadway on a dark, rainy night. Because of the height of the cab and the restricted vision around the cab, we had to prove that the driver was negligent despite his claim that he never saw the pedestrian.
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with a semi or any kind of truck, call the truck collision lawyers at Shapiro, Cohen and Basinger, Ltd. for a free consultation.