Carlos Garcia Jr Killed in LaSalle County Semi-Truck Accident on Interstate 80

Truck Accident - April 4, 2026

Carlos Garcia, 32, of Berwyn, Died Following Two-Vehicle Semi-Truck Accident on Interstate 80 near Marseilles in LaSalle County

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LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS (April 4, 2026) –  A truck driver identified as Carlos Garcia has tragically died in a LaSalle County semi-truck accident on Interstate 80 near Marseilles.

LaSalle County officials are saying that the accident took place on Saturday, March 28. Carlos Garcia was driving a semi-truck when he was involved in the collision with a second semi truck near mile marker 97.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help all of the victims. One semi-truck driver sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Sadly, Carlos Garcia was beyond medical aid and pronounced dead due to the severe nature of his injuries. A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for LaSalle County Semi-Truck Accidents

Every driver in Illinois has a legal obligation to use caution to avoid colliding with other vehicles. This necessitates that drivers maintain a safe speed at all times. According to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-601, “No vehicle may be driven upon any highway of this State at a speed which is greater than is reasonable and proper with regard to traffic conditions and the use of the highway, or endangers the safety of any person or property.” Truck companies should take several measures to help avoid accidents.

  • Trucks should be equipped with technological features such as forward collision avoidance systems.
  • Trucks should be routinely inspected and well maintained.
  • Truck routes should be designed to eliminate as many left turns as possible.

When a truck driver is injured or killed in an accident, they or their surviving family members will typically have recourse to the workers’ compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance scheme designed to help workers. An injured worker or their surviving family members may also be able to seek some measure of accountability through a third-party liability claim. A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to a crash. Sources of third-party liability include other truck companies whose drivers are involved in a crash.

Steps to Take After LaSalle County Semi-Truck Accidents

Driving a commercial truck remains one of the most dangerous professions in the United States. According to Landline Media, “In 2024, nearly 800 truck drivers lost their lives in a work-related incident. That is a 3% decrease from 2023 and the lowest since 2020, when 766 truckers were killed on the job. Not counting 2020, when the pandemic altered statistics, the last time fewer truck drivers died while working was in 2016 (786 fatalities).” Multiple actions should be taken after any semi-truck accident.

  • The police should be called to the scene as early as possible so that they can begin an investigation.
  • Any person who may have witnessed the collision should be interviewed early on.
  • The event data recorder of any truck involved in the collision should be collected and reviewed.
  • The family of any person who died in a truck accident should request an independent investigation by a team experienced in accident reconstruction and negligence claims.

It can be difficult to know where to begin after any truck accident. The factors that may contribute to any truck accidents can take place hours or days before the actual event. Sadly, truck companies will virtually never accept responsibility if one of their drivers is involved in a crash. Victims of truck accidents are protected by a number of laws. The family of any person killed in a truck accident may be able to pursue some measure of accountability through a civil claim.

Investigating LaSalle County Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Carlos Garcia. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family. Many questions remain unanswered at this time. What was the speed of the other truck involved? What were the circumstances leading up to the crash?

Do you need more information about a LaSalle County semi-truck accident? Our team of truck accident investigators is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and those rights are being protected through skilled advocacy. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into the unique circumstances of any crash, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.