Steven Hermanson, Nathan Tenneson Killed In Springfield Semi-Truck Accident On Interstate 55

Steven Hermanson, 66, of Lebanon and Nathan Tenneson, 29, of Ettrick, Wisconsin Died In Springfield Semi-Truck Accident On Interstate 55

Steven Hermanson, Nathan Tenneson Killed In Springfield Semi-Truck Accident On Interstate 55

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (November 2, 2022) – Two people identified as Steven Hermanson and Nathan Tenneson died in a Springfield Hazmat truck accident on Interstate 55.

Sangamon County officials are saying that the accident took place around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday night. A semi-truck was traveling northbound before crossing the median and ended up facing the wrong direction across southbound lanes of traffic.

Steven Hermanson and Nathan Tenneson were in two separate vehicles when they were involved in a collision with the out-of-control truck.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision. All three vehicles were on fire and had to be put out.

Nathan Tenneson was pronounced dead at the scene. Steven Hermanson was transported to the hospital with critical injuries but died not long after being admitted.

It remains unclear if the semi-truck driver that drove the wrong way will face any citations. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Springfield Semi-Truck Accidents

Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in accidents involving commercial trucks. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2020, 4,842 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, a 4% decrease from 2019 but still a 33% increase since 2011. The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled is down 5% from 2019, but up 18% since 2011.” There are a number of common causes of truck accidents including:

  • Driver distraction
  • Inclement weather
  • Poor road conditions
  • Cargo shift

Truck drivers are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must acquire a commercial driver’s license and follow all rules set forth in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. All drivers must exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. This includes obeying all speed limits. Pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/11-601(a), no truck driver shall operate their vehicle at a speed greater than would be reasonable or safe given the prevailing conditions. Truck drivers are much more likely to lose control at higher speeds.

If a truck driver is involved in a crash or is otherwise obstructing a roadway, there are a number of steps that they are legally obligated to take. The truck driver should activate their hazards and may need to put out flares or reflective triangles to warn other drivers about their presence. Warning devices must be placed within ten minutes of an accident under certain conditions. Failing to take these steps could form the basis of a negligence claim.

If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could potentially be held at fault. Generally speaking, employers are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, truck companies will often try to evade liability for crashes by hiring truck drivers as “independent contractors.” There are a number of steps that should be taken after a semi-truck accident.

  • Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
  • The truck’s event data recorder should be examined.
  • The truck’s maintenance records should be sought.
  • The truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed.

It can be extremely difficult to know where to begin after any serious collision. In many situations, families are left in the dark for weeks or months trying to get answers about what caused an accident. But it does not have to be this way. Accident victims are protected by a number of laws. They also have the ability to pursue civil claims for collisions caused by the negligence of truck drivers.

Investigating A Springfield Semi-Truck Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the families of Steven Hermanson and Nathan Tenneson. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place.

Do you need more information about a Springfield 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 those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision, we are  here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.