Trucker’s Actions Causes Two Crashes In Construction Zone on I-64 Near Mt. Vernon, Illinois

Truck Driver’s Neglect Launches Concrete Barrier Into Innocent Driver’s Lane of Travel

Two crashes occurred in close proximity on I-64 north of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, on February 24, 2025, after a semi-truck driver lost control, causing a dangerous chain reaction.

According to the Illinois State Police, at around 9:18 p.m., a semi-truck with a trailer struck a concrete median barrier on westbound I-64 at milepost 71, flipping his tractor-trailer over into the median. The impact dislodged a barrier, pushing large chunks of concrete into the eastbound lanes, creating an immediate hazard for oncoming traffic. With low light and little expectation for a large concrete barrier in the roadway, an eastbound vehicle on I-64 collided with the displaced concrete barrier, resulting in significant injuries to the driver.

The semi-truck driver escaped without injury, but the eastbound driver suffered injuries serious enough to require hospitalization. This incident highlights the recklessness and potential negligence of the truck driver, whose failure to maintain control of the vehicle directly led to both accidents. Large commercial trucks pose significant dangers when their drivers act carelessly, and this crash underscores the serious consequences of truck-related collisions. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the semi-truck’s loss of control, and all involved were relieved no road construction crew were present at the time of the wrecks.

Hazards in the Roadway Are Unexpected and Can Result in Serious Damages

Motor vehicle operators can be held liable for hazards they create on the roadway if their negligence or reckless driving leads to dangerous conditions that cause accidents. If a driver loses control, drops cargo, spills debris, or otherwise obstructs the roadway, they may be legally responsible for any resulting crashes or injuries. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, two in three debris-related crashes result from items falling from a vehicle due to improper maintenance or an unsecured load.  This liability applies not only to direct collisions but also to secondary accidents caused by their actions, such as when another driver swerves to avoid debris and crashes or if someone is injured while trying to remove the hazard from the road. In cases involving commercial truck drivers, liability may extend to the trucking company if the driver was improperly trained, fatigued, or operating an unsafe vehicle.

Under Illinois civil law, an injured party can file a personal injury lawsuit against a driver who caused a roadway hazard that led to a crash. Victims must prove that the driver acted negligently—such as by failing to secure their load, driving recklessly, or not taking proper precautions in hazardous conditions. If a court determines the driver is at fault, they may be responsible for compensating the injured party for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Additionally, if a driver’s reckless or intentional misconduct—such as driving under the influence—created the hazard, the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

Motorists are legally required to exercise reasonable care to prevent hazards that endanger others on the road. Failing to do so can expose them to civil liability, even if they were not directly involved in a crash. For example, if a driver’s unsecured cargo falls onto the highway and leads to a multi-car pileup, they could be held responsible for all resulting damages.  Because proving negligence in roadway hazard cases can be complex, victims often benefit from working with experienced personal injury attorneys who can investigate the incident, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation they deserve.

Our Thoughts Are With The Injured Driver and How We Can Help Them Recover

At Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C., we extend our sincere well wishes to the individual injured in the I-64 crash caused by the semi-truck driver’s negligence. Being involved in an such a severe wreck due to another driver’s recklessness can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. We hope for a full and swift recovery for the injured party and want them to know that they do not have to face this challenging time alone.

Our firm has decades of experience helping victims of truck accidents and roadway hazards seek the compensation they deserve. In cases like this, where a truck driver’s actions created a dangerous obstacle, we aggressively pursue justice for our clients by investigating the crash, gathering evidence, and holding the negligent driver accountable. Victims injured due to hazardous conditions caused by another driver may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle damage. If the trucking company or another party contributed to the crash through negligence, we will fight to ensure all responsible parties are held liable. Even if they don’t hire our firm, they need to hire a law firm that can take care of them.

At Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C., we understand the complexities of truck accident cases and work diligently to maximize our clients’ compensation. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning our clients pay nothing unless we win their case. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a crash caused by a negligent truck driver or dangerous roadway hazard, call us (618)-244-5335 or contact us today for a free consultation. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you secure the financial recovery you need to move forward.