Nicholas Strum, Robin Sides Killed In Williamson County Semi-Truck Accident on Illinois 37 by Illinois 148

Nicholas Strum of Kewanee, Illinois, Robin Sides of Evansville, Indiana Died In Williamson County Semi-Truck Accident By The Intersection of Illinois 37 and Illinois 148

Nicholas Strum, Robin Sides Killed In Williamson County Semi-Truck Accident on Illinois 37 by Illinois 148

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS (March 30, 2022) –  Two men identified as Nicholas Strum and Robin Sides died in a Williamson County big rig truck accident by Illinois 37 and Illinois 148.

Williamson County police officials are saying that the collision took place around 9:10 a.m. on Friday morning. Nicholas Strum and Robin Sides were in a pickup truck and traveling down Illinois 148.

A semi-truck failed to yield to their pickup truck and turned directly into their path. The pickup truck struck the driver’s side of the semi-truck causing it to sustain major damage.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help both of the victims.  Despite life-saving measures, Nicholas Strum and Robin Sides both died due to the severity of their injuries.

The truck driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police. It remains unclear if they will receive any citations for failure to yield.

Liability In Williamson County Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks are essential for the transportation of goods all across the country. But they can also be extremely dangerous for many reasons. In fact, the FMCSA has reported that nearly 4,500 people were killed in truck accidents in 2019 alone. One of the facts that can make semi-trucks especially dangerous is that they have large blind spots. These spots exist all around the truck and are especially pronounced in the back and sides. There are many other ways that semi-trucks can be dangerous.

  • A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs. Even a low impact collision can be catastrophic.
  • A fully loaded semi-truck traveling at 65 mph can take the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop.
  • Semi-trucks have a wide turning radius which increases the odds of a side impact collision.

Semi-truck drivers must get a commercial driver’s license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must exercise due care when driving, especially as they are making turns. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-801, no driver shall make a left turn or U-turn onto a highway unless and until such movement can be done with reasonable safety. If a truck driver turns in front of another vehicle they will typically be held at fault in the event of a crash.

If a truck driver was working for a company at the time of a crash, their employer could be vicariously liable. In general, employers are liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, many truck companies will try to evade liability for crashes by hiring their drivers as “independent contractors.” It is important to determine the employment status of a truck driver at the time of a crash along with other factors.

  • Photos of the accident site should be taken.
  • Surveillance footage should be sought.
  • Medical records should be preserved.
  • Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
  • The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be examined.

The family of any victim that died in a truck accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. Sadly, though, truck companies will fight extremely hard to deny responsibility for any collision. An Illinois truck accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating A  Williamson County Semi-Truck Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the families of Nicholas Strum and Robin Sides. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for this tragic accident that may have been totally preventable.

Do you need more information about a Williamson County semi-truck accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are 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 actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.