Two Injured in Crash on “Dead Man’s Curve” in St. Clair County

On Friday, July 19, a car and semi-truck crashed in Brooklyn, IL, near Canal Street and the McKinley Bridge. Illinois Route 3 was closed for several hours while authorities tended to the accident. A child and an adult were seriously injured and airlifted from the scene. The collision happened around 2:30 pm.

Mattie Roby, a resident of Brooklyn for 29 years, told 5 On Your Side that tragic crashes like this one have been happening for years. “Looks like the car, it went around this Dead Man’s Curve,” she said. “They call it Dead Man’s Curve.”

“For them to have two helicopters, the accident was really bad,” Roby said at the scene. “I think it was really bad.”

Driver Marvin Strode also mentioned the dangers of the road, telling 5 On Your Side, “A man and his dog, they were on a motorcycle, they got killed coming from around this curve. Some girls going out to a party at night for a birthday party, they got killed here too. Each one got killed on each side of the street.”

Illinois State Police are currently handling the investigation and have not yet released additional information regarding the crash or the adult and child’s injuries. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families at this time.

Truck accidents in Illinois

Truck accidents are particularly dangerous due to several factors, including the high volume of traffic, the presence of numerous large commercial vehicles, and the urban environment. Here are some reasons why these accidents are so serious:

• Heavy traffic: Illinois is home to one of the busiest cities in the United States, with a high volume of daily commuters and commercial vehicles. This congestion increases the likelihood of accidents.
• Large commercial vehicles: Trucks, especially large ones like 18-wheelers, have significant blind spots, longer stopping distances, and are more challenging to maneuver. This makes collisions with smaller vehicles more likely and often more severe.
• Urban environment: The dense urban environment around cities like Chicago and St. Louis includes numerous intersections, pedestrian crossings, and bike lanes. This complexity can lead to higher accident rates.
• Fatigue and pressure on truck drivers: Truck drivers often face long hours and tight delivery schedules, leading to fatigue. Fatigued driving significantly increases the risk of accidents.
• Poorly maintained roads: Illinois roads, especially in rural areas, are some of the worst in the country. Roads full of potholes and other damage create risks for drivers. Motorcyclists face even more dangers on these roadways.

Determining liability in a truck accident

Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex and may involve multiple parties. Here are the primary parties that could be held liable in your crash:

• Truck driver: If the accident was caused by the truck driver’s negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, the driver could be held liable.
• Trucking company: The trucking company can be held liable for negligent hiring practices, insufficient training, or pushing drivers to exceed hours-of-service regulations.
• Truck manufacturer: If a defect in the truck or its parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
• Cargo loaders: Improper cargo loading can lead to unbalanced loads, which can cause the truck to tip over or lose control. Those responsible for loading the truck could be liable.
• Maintenance providers: If the accident was due to poor maintenance, the company or individuals responsible for maintaining the truck could be held accountable.
• Other drivers: Sometimes, another driver’s actions may cause or contribute to a truck accident. In such cases, they may share liability.

Steps to take after a truck accident

After an accident with a commercial truck, you should take some steps to protect your health and your legal claim:

• Seek medical attention: Your health should be your top priority. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you do not feel injured. Some injuries may take some time to manifest.
• Document the scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and road conditions.
• Gather information: Collect contact information from all parties involved, including witnesses. Obtain the truck driver’s license number, insurance information, and details about the trucking company.
• Report the accident: Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the police report, which will be essential for your claim.
• Contact our Alton truck accident attorneys: Truck accidents involve complex legal issues. Our experienced truck accident lawyers can help you navigate the process, determine liability, and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.

Understanding the intricacies of truck accidents in Illinois and knowing who can be held liable are essential steps in protecting your rights and seeking justice. At Glisson Law, our truck accident lawyers are here to help.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in Illinois, don’t navigate the aftermath alone—reach out to our experienced truck accident lawyers today. We understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve. Contact the Alton-based truck accident attorneys at Glisson Law now for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice and peace of mind you need to move forward. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a meeting with an experienced lawyer. We help clients across Belleville, Edwardsville, Springfield, St. Clair and Madison Counties, all of Southwestern Illinois, and Missouri.