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$67 million awarded by Illinois jury for deadly 2018 accident with Panera Bread truck

$67 million awarded by Illinois jury for deadly 2018 accident with Panera Bread truck

A jury in Winnebago County has awarded $67 million to the families impacted by a tragic crash involving a Panera Bread semi-truck in northwestern Illinois back in 2018. The verdict, announced on September 30, includes $52 million for the Krischon family, who lost Fred in the accident and saw Bob sustain serious injuries. An additional $15 million was given to the family of Ruthie Fairchild, who passed away days after the collision. The incident occurred on May 20, 2018, when the Panera Bread truck collided with a vehicle carrying Fairchild on U.S. Route 20 in Stockton, leading to a subsequent head-on collision with the Krischon's car. The court heard arguments from the Krischon family's attorneys, who emphasized the responsibility of the truck's driver to anticipate potential hazards and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents due to the truck's handling capabilities. This case highlights the importance of adequate training for employees to ensure safety on the roads. The tragic outcome of this preventable crash has deeply impacted the families involved.

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