James Roberts Killed In Edwardsville Semi-Truck Accident
Truck Accident - September 27, 2024
James Roberts, of Alton, Died In Edwardsville Dump Truck Accident on Illinois 159 By North Deer Park Drive
EDWARDSVILLE, ILLINOIS (September 27, 2024) – A 67-year-old truck driver identified as James Roberts has tragically died in an Edwardsville dump truck accident on Illinois 159.
Madison County officials are saying that the collision took place around 3:28 p.m. on September 3. A northbound dump truck crossed the center lines in order to avoid striking a fuel tanker.
That truck then collided head-on with another 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 pronounced dead at the scene. It remains unclear if the driver of the dump truck will face any charges or citations.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Madison County Semi-Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks make up a relatively small number of the total vehicles on the roadway. But they are involved in a disproportionate number of serious collisions. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2022, 5,837 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, an 1.8% increase from 2021 and a 49% increase in the last 10 years. The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled is up 3% from 2021, and up 24% in the last 10 years.” Dump truck companies should take a number of measures in order to avoid causing accidents.
- Dump truck companies should ensure that all of their drivers are well trained.
- Dump truck companies should periodically inspect and maintain their fleet.
- Dump truck companies must adhere to all state and federal regulations for operating commercial trucks.
Dump truck drivers are required to get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must follow all rules and regulations laid out in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. In particular, there are rules and regulations relating to how many hours a semi-truck can operate. One of the most common causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue.
When a truck driver breaks traffic regulations, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that leaves their own lanes of traffic and hits another vehicle head-on. Depending on the facts of any case, a truck driver’s employer could be held at fault. It is important that certain steps are taken after any truck accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- The truck’s event data recorder should be reviewed.
- A police report should be conducted.
The vast majority of truck accidents are preventable. They tend to involve situations where truck companies push their drivers to complete deliveries on unrealistic time schedules. Indeed, 10% of all truck drivers involved in a fatal collision reported feeling under pressure from their employer. It is important that accident victims and their families understand that they do have rights in these circumstances.
Investigating Edwardsville 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 police.
Do you need more information about an Edwardsville dump truck accident? Our team of worker’s rights advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
