Three Chicago Residents Injured After U-Haul Van Overturns on I-57 Near Kinmundy

Three people were taken to the hospital after a U-Haul cargo van flipped over on Interstate 57, just a few miles north of Kinmundy, Illinois. The crash happened around 4:08 p.m. on Saturday, according to reports from first responders and Illinois State Police. 

The passengers, all from Chicago, were heading south toward Southern Illinois University in Carbondale to collect personal belongings at the end of the spring semester. While traveling along I-57, the van reportedly went off the left side of the highway. The driver tried to get back on track but turned the wheel too sharply, which caused it to overturn. 

Fortunately, several other drivers who witnessed the van accident stopped to help. They were able to get all three people out of the van before emergency crews got there. Kinmundy-Alma Fire Chief Kevin Day confirmed that the victims were then transported to Salem Township Hospital. Thankfully, all are believed to have suffered only minor injuries. 

State Police are still investigating what caused the vehicle to go off the road. The names of those involved have not been shared yet, and no citations have been issued at this time. 

How Rollover Crashes Happen – Know Your Rights

Single-vehicle crashes like this one may seem straightforward, but the causes can be complex. Cargo vans, especially when loaded, can be harder to control than regular passenger cars. They’re bigger, heavier, and more sensitive if the driver turns too quickly. If the vehicle goes off the road and the driver reacts suddenly, it can easily result in an overturn – just like in this incident. 

What many don’t realize is that even if only one vehicle is involved, passengers who are hurt may still have options. In Illinois, passengers injured in a car or van accident may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more – regardless of who was driving. If the driver was a friend or family member, this doesn’t mean you’re taking legal action against them directly. In most cases, their auto insurance would handle the claim. 

There’s also the question of vehicle maintenance. If the van was rented—as U-Haul vehicles often are and the accident was caused by a mechanical problem (like brake failure or steering issues), the rental company could be partly responsible. Proving that requires a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s condition and maintenance history. 

Additionally, if another vehicle forced the van to go off the road- even if it didn’t make contact -that driver could be responsible if identified. In such cases, gathering witness statements and reviewing traffic footage becomes crucial. 

Illinois law permits injured parties to recover damages provided they act less than 50% at fault for the van accident. In a case where passengers were merely along for the ride, they could very likely qualify to recover expenses related to their injuries. The important thing to do is to act quickly—document the injury, seek medical attention, and consult with a legal professional before settling for any insurance company settlement. 

We are Here to Help After a Scary Crash Like This One

It’s a relief to hear that no one was seriously injured in Saturday’s accident, but we know how upsetting an accident like this can be. One minute, you’re on a quiet road trip, and the next, you find yourself upside down in a van and on your way to the hospital. Even if the injuries seem small at first, the physical and emotional toll can stick with you for a long time. 

At Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C., our attorneys have been helping people across Illinois for decades. Whether someone’s been injured in a rollover crash, hit by another driver, or hurt in a rental van accident, we’re here to make sure they understand their rights and don’t get pushed around by insurance companies. 

We handle each case with care & treat our clients as individuals—not as case numbers. If you were involved like this one, or you know someone who was, call us at 618-266-3731. It will cost you nothing to discuss your case and see what you can do. We can help gather the right documents, talk to the insurance companies for you & make sure you’re not left paying for expenses that weren’t your fault. Our office is always available, or you can reach out online to set up free car accident consultation. You’ve been through enough already—let us handle the hard part while you focus on healing.