Douglas Lodge Killed In Troy Semi-Truck Accident

Douglas Lodge Died In Troy Tractor-Trailer Truck Collision on Interstate 70

Douglas Lodge Killed In Troy Semi-Truck Accident

TROY, ILLINOIS (October 24, 2024) – A man from St. Louis Missouri identified as Douglas Lodge has tragically died in a Troy semi-truck accident on Interstate 70.

Madison County officials say that the accident took place around 3:20 a.m. on Friday. Douglas Lodge was in a Volkswagen when his vehicle became disabled after a collision with a guardrail.

A semi-truck driver was traveling eastbound when it collided with the Volkswagen. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.

Douglas Lodge was taken to Anderson Hospital with critical injuries. Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Madison County Semi-Truck Accident

Accidents involving commercial trucks remain all too common. According to the National Safety Council, “A total of 5,936 people died in large-truck crashes in 2022. The number of deaths increased 2% from 2021 and is up 49% in the last 10 years. The majority of deaths in large-truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles (70%), followed by truck occupants (19%), and non-occupants, primarily pedestrians and bicyclists (11%).” There are a number of steps that truck companies can take to prevent collisions.

  • Truck companies should ensure that all of their drivers are well trained.
  • Truck companies should periodically inspect and maintain their vehicles.
  • Truck companies should create routes that eliminate as many left turns as possible.

All truck drivers must exercise caution in order to avoid collisions. Pursuant 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.” If a truck driver fails to slow down in order to avoid a vehicle stopped in the road, this could form the basis of a civil claim.

Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of liability for any collision. The company that created a guardrail could be held at fault. Guardrails must be reasonably safe and comply with all federal regulations. When a guardrail is functioning properly, it must decelerate a vehicle and avoid pushing it back into traffic. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.

  • Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
  • Medical records should be preserved.
  • The event data recorder of the truck involved should be collected.
  • A thorough investigation should be conducted.

The vast majority of semi-truck accidents are preventable. They tend to involve truck drivers that are fatigued. Truck drivers are put under an enormous amount of pressure to complete their routes as quickly as possible. In fact, nearly 1 in 10 truck drivers involved in a fatal collision reported feeling under pressure from their carrier. The family of any person who died in a truck accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.

Investigating Troy Semi-Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Douglas Lodge. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place.

Do you need more information about a Madison County semi-truck accident? Our team of roadway safety advocates is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that truck companies are held accountable for their wrongful actions. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.