Michael Griffith Killed Piatt County Semi-Truck Accident Near LaPlace

Truck Accident - October 19, 2025

Michael Griffith, 63, of Mt. Zion, Died in Piatt County Semi-Truck Accident By U.S. Route 36 and Illinois Route 32 Near LaPlace

Michael Griffith Killed Piatt County Semi-Truck Accident Near LaPlace

LAPLACE, ILLINOIS (October 18, 2025) – A 63-year-old man from Mount Zion identified as Michael Griffith has tragically died in a Piatt County semi-truck accident by U.S. Route 36 and Illinois Route 32.

Piatt County officials are saying that the accident occurred around 10:45 AM on September 17. Michael Griffith was operating a 2005 International Truck-Tractor Semi-Trailer westbound on US 36.

A second semi-truck entered the intersection directly into his path before both vehicles collided. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help the victim.

Michael Griffith was transported to the hospital with critical injuries. Sadly, he died at the hospital due to his injuries.

A full investigation into the Piatt County truck accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Piatt County Truck Accidents

Truck drivers must operate their vehicles with an abundance of caution to avoid accidents. Many accidents involve vehicles that make dangerous maneuvers at intersections. According to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-902), “The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.” Truck drivers should take many different actions to avoid collisions at intersections.

  • Blind Spots: Truck drivers should check their blind spots before entering or turning at an intersection.
  • Scanning: Truck drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them and check for cross traffic.
  • Rest Breaks: Truck drivers should take periodic rest breaks to ensure that they do not become dangerously fatigued.

A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 pounds. Truck drivers cannot stop on a dime if a vehicle enters their path. If a truck driver enters into the path of another truck at an intersection, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. The company that the negligent truck driver was working for could be held at fault. In general, employers within Illinois can be held liable for the wrongful actions of their workers who were performing their job duties.

Preventing Illinois Semi-Truck Accidents

Thousands of people are injured or killed in truck accidents each year. Many of the victims of these collisions are truck drivers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “There were 914 fatal occupational injuries to truck drivers in 2018, a slight decrease from 927 in 2017. The incidence rate of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses involving days away from work was 262.1 cases per 10,000 FTE workers among heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers and 233.0 cases among light truck or delivery services drivers in 2018.” Truck companies should take several measures to prevent truck accidents.

  • Vehicle Maintenance: Trucks should be routinely inspected and well maintained. This is particularly important for the truck’s brakes.
  • Technology: Truck companies should consider certain safety features that are likely to prevent accidents. This includes installing cameras and forward collision avoidance systems.
  • Plan Routes: Truck companies should use route-planning software that avoids high-risk zones. Many collisions can be avoided by eliminating as many left turns as possible from a truck route.

Truck crashes are often highly preventable. It is possible that there may be more than one liable party. Unfortunately, truck carriers will almost never admit fault when one of their drivers is involved in a fatal collision. In far too many situations, they will blame the victim for what happened. This is why it is so important for these collisions to be investigated by an outside party. The family of any person who died in a truck accident may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.

Investigating Piatt County Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Michael Griffith. This was a preventable tragedy that should never have taken place. Any person that may have more information should reach out to the Piatt County Sheriff’s Office. It is our sincere hope that county officials will consider measures to help make this particular intersection safer.

Do you need more information about a Piatt County truck accident? Our team of truck accident investigators is here for you. 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 a free, independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here to support you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.