Passenger Injured in Buckley Truck Accident
The commercial vehicle rolled over on Interstate 57 during severe weather
A passenger was injured in a semi-truck accident on southbound Interstate 57 in Buckley, Iroquois County, Illinois, on Friday, April 17, according to the State Police.
The commercial vehicle rolled over near milepost 270 during severe weather conditions at approximately 9:57 p.m. Emergency crews shut down the southbound lanes for more than two hours to clear the wreckage.
Both the passenger and the driver of the rig were taken to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries.
About 30 minutes later, a second tractor-trailer rolled over in nearly the exact same location. That driver was also taken to the hospital, and authorities closed the road again until 2:30 a.m.
The State Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding both crashes. No citations were immediately announced.
Why did the semi-truck roll over on Interstate 57?
While severe weather was reported in the area, commercial drivers are required to maintain control of their vehicles or pull over when conditions become unsafe. For a passenger recovering from a terrifying rollover, understanding why the rig lost stability is a critical step in the healing process. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "It's heartbreaking to see the destruction an eighty-thousand-pound rig can cause when it cannot stop in time. A loaded semi needs over five hundred feet to halt, which is nearly two full football fields."
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Illinois recorded 7,171 large truck crashes in 2024, highlighting the ongoing risks on major freight corridors like Interstate 57.
What are the legal options for an injured commercial passenger?
Passengers in commercial vehicles often face complex insurance hurdles, as trucking companies quickly deploy defense teams to protect their financial interests. An independent investigation into the driver's actions, training, and adherence to safety protocols is essential to establish liability. National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Bond Legal, noted that "Starting your recovery after a truck collision is a long and frightening process for any family. Missing entries in a driver's daily inspection log often tell a story of neglect that didn't have to happen."
Investigators will review the truck's electronic data recorder and the driver's hours-of-service logs to determine if negligence played a role in the Buckley crash. Individuals involved in commercial vehicle accidents may have legal options. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help clarify rights and potential claims.
Illinois personal injury framework
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault (50% bar) system, updated in 2023. The statute of limitations is 2 years.
Damages include economic and non-economic losses.
National Legal Analyst Bond noted that "Understanding your own insurance 'limits' is a critical part of the legal framework."