Crime & Safety
New Lenox Man's Death Prompts New Lawsuit
James Harbin was killed on Feb. 19. Here's why a Joliet law firm is filing a lawsuit.
NEW LENOX, IL — The Joliet law firm of Spesia & Taylor filed a wrongful death lawsuit on Monday against Gary Hosey and Partners Trucking in connection with the Feb. 19 deadly crash along Cedar Road in New Lenox that claimed the life of James "Jimmy" Harbin Jr. The 49-year-old crash victim was a New Lenox resident.
"Jimmy was a loyal husband, father, son, brother, and friend who will be always remembered and never forgotten. He was an avid member and leader of DG Furbowl bowling league. Jimmy was a true handyman and took great pride and dedication in his home and small farm," states his obituary published by the Kurtz Goodale Memorial Chapels.
The wrongful death lawsuit was filed on behalf of his wife, Valerie Harbin. The crash victim also left behind a son, Cody Harbin, and daughter Megan Harbin.
Find out what's happening in New Lenoxfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
According to the lawsuit, James Harbin was driving a 2004 Chevrolet truck around 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 19 along a southbound stretch of Cedar Road. Meanwhile, defendant Gary Hosey "was in possession, charge and control of a semi-tractor and trailer being operated northbound on Cedar Road at or near the intersection of Cedar Road and West Baker Road ..."
The semi was owned by Partners Trucking in Manhattan, the lawsuit notes. Hosey was working for the company on West Baker Road at the time of the fatality crash, the plaintiff's lawyers informed Will County's judicial system.
Find out what's happening in New Lenoxfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
According to Spesia & Taylor, "defendant Gary Hosey violently and without warning crossed the center line and struck the motor vehicle operated by James E. Harbin Jr., deceased."
The lawsuit accuses Hosey of negligence in eight different instances such as having "crossed the center line of the road way," having "failed to yield the right of way to defendant's vehicle and having "traveled at a rate of speed greater than was reasonable and proper in view of the circumstances."
The plaintiffs are demanding a judgment in their favor from Will County's courts in excess of $50,000 from Gary Hosey and Partners Trucking.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
