Wayne County, IL — February 27, 2025, one person was injured in a truck accident at around 5:45 p.m. along Interstate Highway 64.

According to authorities, a man was traveling in an eastbound Hyundai Santa Fe on I.H. 64 in the vicinity east of U.S. 45 when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision took place between the front-end of the Hyundai and the rear-end of a flat bed trailer that was in tow behind a Dodge Ram pickup truck.

The man from the Hyundai suffered injuries of unknown severity due to the wreck, according to reports, and was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. It does not appear that anyone else was hurt. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a passenger vehicle collides with the back of a flatbed trailer, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling accident cases, crashes like this rarely occur without multiple contributing factors that need to be examined.

Was the flatbed trailer properly marked and visible? Trailers, whether towed by a commercial truck or a personal vehicle, must have working taillights, reflectors, and other visibility-enhancing features. If the trailer was difficult to see—whether due to poor lighting, missing reflectors, or malfunctioning brake lights—that could have contributed to the crash. Investigators should conduct a post-crash inspection to determine whether the trailer was in compliance with safety regulations.

Did the driver of the Hyundai have enough time to react? Rear-end collisions often raise questions about visibility, distraction, or whether another vehicle’s actions played a role. Investigators should analyze phone records, speed data, traffic camera footage, and witness statements to determine whether the driver had sufficient time and space to stop.

Was the pickup truck operating safely? Towing a flatbed trailer requires proper weight distribution, secure cargo, and responsible driving behavior. If the driver of the pickup stopped suddenly, failed to signal, or was moving at an unsafe speed, that could have played a role in the crash. Investigators should examine vehicle positioning, turn signals, and braking patterns to determine whether the pickup driver contributed to the wreck.

Did the pickup and trailer meet all necessary safety requirements? Whether the pickup was being used for personal or commercial purposes, it was still required to meet certain safety standards. That includes ensuring the trailer was properly secured, equipped with functional lighting, and loaded in a way that did not create unnecessary risks for other drivers. Investigators should determine whether the vehicle and trailer were in compliance with applicable regulations and whether any overlooked safety measures contributed to the crash.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the crash get the clarity they deserve.