Don L. Gilliam Killed in Car Accident in Knox County, IL

Knox County, IL — April 6, 2025, Don Gilliam was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 5:12 P.M. on IL Route 167.

An investigation is underway into a car accident that left one person dead during the evening hours of April 6th. According to official reports, a Chevy Hatchback operated by Don Gilliam was traveling on Illinois Route 167 in the eastbound lanes near Knox Road 1650 East, when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and left the roadway and struck an object.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that Gilliam had sustained fatal injuries and he was pronounced deceased. At this time there has been no further information released about the accident, including what caused the vehicle to lose control, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read that a driver lost their life after a Chevy hatchback left Illinois Route 167 and struck an object, the phrase “for unknown reasons” stands out. It tells me that, at this stage, investigators haven’t determined why the vehicle left the roadway. Too often, in single-vehicle crashes like this, there’s a tendency to assume the driver simply made an error. But that kind of assumption can short-circuit a deeper investigation. To truly understand what happened, three essential questions must be answered.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? In single-vehicle incidents, especially those that occur in less populated areas, the depth of the initial investigation can vary greatly. A thorough review would involve documenting road conditions, measuring tire marks, identifying any environmental hazards, and considering whether external factors contributed to the vehicle leaving the road. Without detailed scene reconstruction and witness statements, the actual cause may never come to light.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? When a vehicle suddenly veers off the road, it’s important to consider whether something in the vehicle failed. Brake issues, steering problems, or a suspension failure could all make it difficult or impossible to maintain control. Smaller vehicles like hatchbacks, depending on their age or condition, may be especially vulnerable to component failures. Unfortunately, if the vehicle is quickly released or scrapped, the opportunity to investigate for potential defects can disappear.

Third, has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Most modern vehicles are equipped with an engine control module (ECM) that stores crucial information—such as speed, throttle input, and braking activity—in the moments before a crash. This data can help show whether the vehicle responded as expected or if something went wrong mechanically. Additionally, nearby cameras or cell phone data could provide context about what was happening just before the crash occurred. But collecting this kind of evidence must be done quickly, before it’s lost or overwritten.

As the investigation moves forward, the most important thing is making sure no stone is left unturned. The person who lost their life in this crash—and those left with questions—deserve a complete and fact-based understanding of what happened. That can only happen when investigators ask the right questions and preserve all available evidence.