Many people would stop to help a stranded motorist if they saw one on the side of the road. However, doing so can be dangerous — particularly in the early morning before the sun comes up or in the evening after dark. This is because it can be difficult for other drivers to see people who are on or near the road.

Unfortunately, that’s what happened on Randall Road in Batavia in the early morning hours of Friday, Sept. 14. Shortly before 5:00 a.m., three people were helping a driver whose vehicle had broken down. A semitruck hit them, and a 48-year-old man from Montgomery was fatally injured and died at the scene. Two other people suffered injuries as well. The injuries of one of those victims were described as serious. The other one was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Two other vehicles, including a limousine, were also involved in the collision, for a total of four vehicles. No further information was reported about the occupants of those two vehicles or about any occupants of the disabled vehicle, other than that it was in the northbound outside lane when it broke down. It wasn’t reported whether the people who were struck were in the road or on the shoulder.

Randall Road remained closed for hours between Mill Street and Fabyan Parkway as the Batavia Police Department and the Kane County Accident Reconstruction Team investigated the fatal crash.

A tragic multi-vehicle crash can happen on Illinois roads in just seconds. However, it can take investigators considerably more time to determine what exactly what happened and who was at fault. When a large commercial truck is involved, the injuries suffered by victims can be severe — and too often fatal. If the crash was caused by another driver’s negligence or recklessness, it’s worthwhile to learn about your legal options for seeking compensation to help cover medical bills, lost wages, burial costs and other expenses.