Lake County, IL (June 21, 2026) – A pedestrian was hurt on Friday afternoon, June 19, after being struck by a semi-truck along eastbound Interstate 94 in Lake County.
According to reports, the crash occurred around 12:13 p.m., near Wadsworth. Early information indicated that a semi hit a person who was on the interstate, though it was not immediately clear why the pedestrian was on the roadway at the time.
The three right lanes of eastbound I-94 were shut down shortly after noon as emergency units worked in the area. Traffic restrictions remained in place for more than four hours, with aerial footage showing lanes still closed around 4:30 p.m.
No information regarding the pedestrian’s identity or the extent of injuries had been released as of this report. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the roadway collision.
We are keeping the injured person in our thoughts and wishing them a full recovery.
What Factors Are Mostly Examined After a Pedestrian Is Struck on an Interstate?
When a pedestrian is hit on a high-speed interstate, several factors are typically reviewed to better understand what occurred. Investigators usually look at roadway design, traffic flow, visibility, weather conditions, and whether any obstructions may have affected a driver’s ability to see someone on the road.
Interstates are generally designed for vehicle travel and usually do not accommodate pedestrian traffic. Because vehicles travel at higher speeds, drivers usually have less time to react when a person is present in a travel lane or along the shoulder. Reviews may also consider lighting conditions, signage, and the exact position of everyone involved before contact occurred.
Information gathered from vehicle data, witness statements, and roadway evidence can help provide a clearer picture of the sequence of actions leading up to the incident.