Distracted Driving May Be to Blame for Chain Reaction Truck Accident, Say Illinois Police

Chicago, IL (Law Firm Newswire) August 8, 2018 – An Illinois State Police trooper said distracted driving could be responsible for a multi-vehicle semi truck crash that seriously injured 10 people.

A 53-year-old man from Lewistown, Illinois was traveling northbound on Interstate 55 near Edwardsville. His semi truck hit another car, which led to a chain-reaction crash that involved a total of 10 vehicles.

“Distracted driving is fast becoming one of the leading causes of car crashes,” said Paul Greenberg, a Chicago car accident attorney with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. “The common perception is that cellphone use is mainly to blame for distracting drivers. However, activities like changing the radio station, talking to other passengers, eating and multitasking all have the potential to divert a driver’s attention from the road, with devastating consequences.”

According to Illinois State Police Trooper Calvin Dye Jr., the truck driver “looked down to pick up his tea.” Dye said the man admitted to taking his eyes off the road and being briefly distracted when he reached for the beverage.

The semi truck overturned in the median following the collision. The truck driver was among seven people who were hospitalized due to the accident. Three other individuals were airlifted to area hospitals with life-threatening injuries.

The accident occurred near exit 23 of Interstate 55 on a stretch of road undergoing construction. Signs cautioning drivers about the roadwork had been placed starting three miles ahead of the construction zone. A fatal truck accident had taken place close to the site previously in November, resulting in the deaths of four women.

Dye said he could not say for certain whether there was a direct link between the roadwork and the multiple accidents. However, he identified speeding and distractions as being “the main contributing factor” in the majority of such cases. Illinois police are investigating the crash and have yet to determine whether charges will be filed.

“Individuals who have been victims of distracted driving should contact an experienced car accident attorney to learn how they may be able to pursue compensation for their injuries,” said Greenberg.