James Roberts Killed In Dorsey Dump Truck Accident on Illinois Route 159

Truck Accident - September 11, 2024

Dump Truck Driver Crossed Center Line Before Fatal Collision That Killed James Roberts on Illinois Route 159 Near North Deer Park Drive

James Roberts Killed In Dorsey Dump Truck Accident on Illinois Route 159

DORSEY, ILLINOIS (September 11, 2024) – A truck driver identified as James Roberts tragically died in a Dorsey dump truck accident along Illinois Route 159 by North Deer Park Drive.

Madison County officials are saying that the collision took place around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. A northbound dump truck crossed the center line in order to avoid striking a fuel tanker.

The dump truck hit a semi-truck driven by James Roberts. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.

Despite life-saving measures, James Roberts was beyond medical aid and pronounced dead at the scene. The Illinois State Police Traffic Reconstruction Unit is investigating the crash.

Liability For Madison County Dump Truck Crashes

Dump trucks weigh substantially more than passenger vehicles and pose a number of unique safety hazards. According to the Engineering News Record, “Dump truck accidents severe enough that the vehicle had to be towed away rose 9%, hitting 8,206 in 2016, the latest year statistics are available.” Many of these accidents are due to poor driving habits and overworked drivers. There are a number of other factors that could contribute to dump truck collisions.

  • Dump trucks have large blind spots that may obscure the presence of other vehicles.
  • Dump trucks take much longer to stop due to their weight.
  • Dump trucks have a high ground clearance that may pull pedestrians and smaller vehicles underneath.

Dump truck drivers are required to get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Many collisions are due to drivers who are speeding or who make dangerous maneuvers. Pursuant to (625 ILCS 5/11-701), “a vehicle shall be driven in the right-hand lane available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction.” If a driver crosses into opposing lanes of traffic and hits another vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a collision could extend beyond any driver. The company that operated a dump truck could face liability for a collision. In general, companies are responsible for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a dump truck may have been transporting material when it crashed. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any dump-truck collision.

  • The event data recorder of the truck should be collected.
  • The logbook of the at-fault driver should be reviewed.
  • Surveillance footage should be sought.
  • Medical records related to the collision should be preserved.

The vast majority of truck accidents are preventable and involve some amount of driver error. They tend to involve safety violations. In many cases, truck companies push their workers to complete their deliveries on unrealistic time schedules. This can lead to speeding and other unsafe driving habits. In turn, this can put everyone else on the roadway in danger. It is crucial that the circumstances of any collision are properly understood.

Investigating Dorsey Dump Truck Accidents

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

Do you need more information about a Dorsey dump 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 those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.