WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill.—Two people tragically died on March 25 when a pick-up truck and tractor-trailer collided on Illinois Route 37 at the Illinois Route 148 intersection.
Officials identified the victims as the driver of a pickup truck, Nicholas Strum, of Kewanee, Ill., and his passenger, Robin Sides, of Evansville, Ill. State police pronounced Strum and Sides dead at the scene of the crash.
Officials said Darrin Bramlet, of Raleigh, Ill., was southbound in a tractor-trailer on Illinois R-37 at the intersection of Illinois R-148 when he failed to yield to the right of way after stopping at the intersection’s stop sign. Bramlet proceeded into the intersection and struck the side of the pickup truck driven by Strum.
Bramlet refused medical treatment at the scene. Whether he was injured is unclear. Law enforcement issued him a citation for an improper turn at an intersection. No criminal charges were immediately filed.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing. No additional information has been released.
Thoughts and commentary on the fatal semi-accident in Williamson County, Illinois
This is a horrific accident that cost the lives of two innocent men. The pain and suffering caused by the senseless crash will reverberate throughout families and communities. I extend my deepest condolences to those impacted and pray for your continued strength through this difficult time of grief.
From a legal perspective, the fault in this accident couldn’t be clearer. The driver of the semi failed to yield the right-of-way, and as a result, smashed Mr. Strum’s vehicle. When one’s negligence results in harm or injury to another, the law provides a remedy to the innocent victims. In fact, the primary purpose of insurance is to cover this very situation. Commercial operators are required to carry high-limit policies because the risks posed by their presence on our roadways are significant.
The families here will need to decide the route forward. If that involves bringing legal action against the commercial driver, it is wise to have an independent investigation conducted as soon as possible to preserve the evidence. Mainly, we need to know what the driver was doing prior to the accident. Was he distracted, fatigued, or impaired? If so, the fault multiplies, and the seriousness of the mistake increases.
Disclaimer: Our firm uses this blog to start important conversations about consumer safety. Those impacted by this accident, or an accident like it, can reach out to our firm for further information or to have this article removed. This content should not be construed as legal counsel or advice.
