Viola, IL — July 11, 2025, Three people were injured following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 11:00 A.M. on US-67.

According to reports, a crash involving a pickup truck, an 18-wheeler, and a passenger car occurred in the area of US-67 and 60th Avenue, however the circumstances that caused the accident have not yet been determined.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the pickup driver was seriously injured, while the drivers from the other two vehicle sustained injuries ranging from moderate to minor. The identities of the motorists, along with the status of the investigation, have not been released by officials.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash involves three different vehicles—including an 18-wheeler—and leaves one driver seriously hurt, the biggest question is: What started this chain of events? According to reports, a pickup, a passenger car, and a semi-truck collided near US-67 and 60th Avenue. But as of now, there’s no clear explanation of how the crash unfolded—or who, if anyone, could have prevented it.

In a multi-vehicle crash like this, there’s often a tendency to point fingers at the largest vehicle involved. That may be justified, or it may not. What matters is evidence. Did the 18-wheeler rear-end someone? Did a smaller vehicle cut in front of the truck? Was anyone stopped or attempting a turn when the collision occurred? Without answers to those questions, the picture is incomplete.

One of the first priorities in any such investigation should be gathering black box data from the truck. That can show how fast it was going, whether the brakes were applied, and what the driver did in the seconds before impact. Dash cams and in-cab footage can be just as valuable, especially if this crash was the result of a last-second decision by one of the other drivers.

Another key piece of the puzzle is vehicle positioning. Depending on how the three vehicles collided, it may have been a straightforward chain-reaction—or it might have involved someone swerving, braking suddenly, or running a stoplight. The scene itself holds clues, but those need to be backed up by eyewitness accounts, physical evidence, and any available video from nearby intersections or businesses.

I’ve seen cases where what looked at first like driver error turned out to involve serious questions about vehicle maintenance or driver distraction. That’s why cell phone records, driver histories, and mechanical inspections matter—not just for the truck, but for all vehicles involved.

Until investigators collect and examine all that information, the cause of this crash remains unknown. But one thing’s for sure: with multiple vehicles and varying levels of injury, this is not a case where assumptions should take the place of a thorough investigation.

Key Takeaways:

• The cause of this multi-vehicle crash involving an 18-wheeler remains unknown and requires further investigation.
• Black box data, dash cam footage, and physical evidence will be key to understanding how the crash unfolded.
• Vehicle positioning and timing matter—details about braking, lane changes, or sudden stops could determine fault.
• All drivers' records, vehicle conditions, and possible distractions should be reviewed to establish accountability.
• A full investigation is essential to ensure that any responsible parties are identified and held accountable based on evidence, not speculation.