Brett Wagner Killed In Vermillion County Semi-Truck Accident

Truck Accident - March 21, 2025

Brett Wagner, 56, of Avon, Indiana, Died In Vermillion County Semi-Truck Accident on Interstate 74

VERMILLION COUNTY, ILLINOIS (March 21, 2025) – A 56-year-old man identified as Brett Wagner has tragically died in a Vermilion County semi-truck accident on Interstate 74.

Vermilion County officials are saying that the incident took place on Wednesday evening. Traffic was slowing on Interstate 74 when one semi-truck began a chain reaction crash after failing to slow down.

The semi-truck crashed into the back of an SUV driven by Brett Wagner. It continued and hit another semi-truck in the left lane of traffic before colliding with a third semi-truck and veering off of the highway.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Sadly, Brett Wagner was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severe nature of his injuries.

Police issued a ticket to the driver of the first semi-truck for failing to slow down to avoid an accident. A full investigation into the Vermilion truck accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Vermillion County Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks weigh tens of thousands of pounds and can be uniquely dangerous in the event of a collision. According to the IIHS, “Most deaths in large truck crashes are passenger vehicle occupants. The main problem is the vulnerability of people traveling in smaller vehicles. Trucks often weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger cars and are taller with greater ground clearance, which can result in smaller vehicles underriding trucks in crashes.” Truck companies should take a number of actions in order to prevent collisions.

• Truck companies should ensure that all of their drivers have a proper commercial license.
• Truck companies should do routine inspections and maintenance on all of their vehicles.
• Truck companies should ensure that all of their drivers are abiding by federal and state regulations.
• Truck companies should ensure that their vehicles are properly loaded.

Truck drivers have a legal obligation to exercise a great deal of care in order to avoid collisions. Commercial trucks have long stopping distances, and truck drivers need to always take this into consideration by maintaining a safe distance with the vehicle in front of them. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-601, no vehicle may be driven upon a highway at a speed that would be greater than what is reasonable given the prevailing road conditions. If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

Several different factors could contribute to a truck accident. But fatigue remains one of the most common contributing factors. Truck drivers are supposed to take periodic breaks throughout the day in order to prevent fatigue. However, this does not always happen. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that staying awake for only 17 hours can reduce a person’s ability to drive safely equal to operating their vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%. It is important that certain steps are taken after any semi-truck accident.

• The event data recorder of the truck involved should be recovered.
• Surveillance footage of the collision should be sought.
• Medical records related to the crash should be preserved.
• Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.

Truck accidents are often highly preventable. They tend to involve truck drivers that are either distracted or failing to maintain a safe distance with the vehicle in front of them. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that rear-ends a vehicle in their own lane of traffic. Sadly, though, truck companies will often do everything in their power to deny liability if one of their drivers is involved in a collision. This is why it is so important that truck accidents are properly investigated by an outside party.

Investigating Vermillion County Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Brett Wagner. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the Illinois State Police. There are so many questions that remain unanswered at this time.

Do you need more information about an Illinois truck accident? Our team of roadway safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that truck companies are held accountable for their negligent actions. Whether you just have questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.