Steel Pipes From Semi-Truck Caused Two Injuries on Kennedy Expressway in Chicago

Truck Accident - February 26, 2025

Investigation Underway After Two People Injured When Giant Steel Pipes From Semi-Truck Come Loose on the Kennedy Expressway

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (February 26, 2025) – Two people were injured in a Chicago semi-truck accident after giant steel pipes came loose from a truck on the Kennedy Expressway.

Cook County officials are saying that the accident took place around 7:23 PM in the northbound lanes of Interstate 90 by Lake Street. Giant steel pipes came loose from the truck and hit three vehicles, including a taxi.

Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help all of the victims. Two people were transported to the hospital in order to receive treatment.

The steel pipes were so large that they blocked all lanes of traffic on the freeway as crews attempted to move them. A full investigation into the truck accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Chicago Semi-Truck Accidents

Accidents involving debris falling off vehicles may seem like freak occurrences, but they are actually quite common. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, “Between 2011-2014, road debris was a factor in a total of more than 200,000 police-reported crashes [r]esulted in a total of approximately 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths. Compared to crashes that did not involve debris, debris-related crashes were approximately 4 times as likely to occur on Interstate highways.” Truck companies should take a number of measures in order to prevent cargo from coming loose.

• Truck companies should ensure that cargo is evenly distributed to maintain the balance of the vehicle.
• Truck companies should ensure that the center of gravity for the cargo loaded is low.
• Truck companies should use appropriate tie-downs and straps for all of the cargo that they’re trying to secure.
• Truck companies should follow all safety regulations by the FMCSA for securing cargo.

Truck companies have a legal obligation to properly secure all cargo in order to prevent it from escaping and entering the roadway. Pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/15-109, “No vehicle shall be driven or moved on any highway unless such vehicle is so constructed or loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, shifting, leaking or otherwise escaping therefrom.” If a truck company fails to properly secure their cargo and this results in injuries to other drivers on the roadway, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. It is important that certain steps are taken after any truck accident.

• Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
• Medical records related to the incident should be collected.
• A police report should be conducted.
• An experienced personal injury attorney should be contacted.

The vast majority of accidents involving debris on the roadway are completely preventable. They tend to be the result of failing to properly secure cargo. In other cases, these accidents could be the result of unsafe driving practices, such as speeding or making aggressively sharp turns. Any person that is injured in a truck accident may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a personal injury claim. A truck accident attorney can examine all of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating Illinois Semi-Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to all of the people who were injured in this semi-truck accident involving steel pipes on the Kennedy Expressway. It is our sincere hope that they are able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation into why the steel pipes ended up coming loose in the first place. Someone could’ve easily been killed.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in an accident involving loose debris on an Illinois road? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims get the support and justice that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we may be able to help. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.