Salem, IL — December 20, 2024, one person was injured in a truck accident at about 1 p.m. on southbound Interstate 57.

Authorities said a semi-truck swerved to avoid hitting a car that had applied its brakes about three miles south of the U.S. Route 50 exit in Salem. It hit the back end of another semi-truck before jackknifing into the median, spilling its load of timber.

The truck's cab was destroyed in the crash, according to authorities. The driver was hospitalized with unspecified injuries.

No other injuries were reported.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

This crash highlights the challenges truck drivers face in responding to sudden traffic changes, particularly when operating large vehicles carrying heavy loads. With one driver injured and significant damage reported, understanding the circumstances leading to the collision is critical for improving highway safety.

A primary focus of the investigation will likely be on why the car in front of the first semi-truck braked suddenly. Was it a typical traffic slowdown, or did the car encounter a hazard that required immediate action? Understanding this context is essential for evaluating the semi-truck driver’s response.

The actions of the first semi-truck driver are another key area of examination. Swerving to avoid a collision is often an instinctive reaction, but it can introduce new risks, especially for large vehicles with heavy or unstable loads. Investigators will likely analyze the truck’s engine control module (ECM) data and other evidence to determine the truck’s speed and braking activity before the crash.

The jackknifing of the first truck and the resulting timber spill raise questions about load security and weight distribution. Was the load properly secured, and did its weight contribute to the driver’s loss of control? Ensuring that cargo is adequately restrained is critical to preventing secondary hazards in crashes.

The second semi-truck’s involvement also warrants attention. Investigators will assess whether the driver of that truck had any opportunity to avoid the collision and whether they were traveling at an appropriate speed and maintaining a safe following distance.

Finally, the roadway itself should be evaluated. Was this stretch of Interstate 57 experiencing congestion or environmental factors like wet pavement that might have contributed to the crash? Highways often require quick decision-making, and road conditions can play a significant role in shaping outcomes.

For the injured truck driver, understanding what caused this crash is crucial to determining accountability. A thorough investigation will help clarify the roles of driver actions, vehicle conditions and external factors in the incident and may offer insights into how similar collisions can be prevented in the future.