When drivers are sleepy, they can pose a considerable threat to themselves and other travelers. Sleepy drivers may not be paying as much attention to their actions or the actions of others, and even more dangerously, they could possibly fall asleep behind the wheel. Truck accidents that take place due to a driver falling asleep can cause substantial damage, and individuals could be injured.
It was recently reported that an Illinois accident involved a semi truck and at least 10 other vehicles. Reports stated that the incident took place just after 3:30 a.m. on Interstate 55. Exact details on the conditions and outcomes of the crash were not available at the time of the report, but it was noted that a truck driver apparently fell asleep. The crash caused lanes to be closed for approximately two hours after the incident.
Six individuals were transported to hospitals due to suffering injuries in the incident. None of those injuries were thought to be life-threatening. It was also noted that nine other individuals did not wish to receive treatment after the accident. Authorities are likely continuing to investigate the situation.
Though none of the injuries were considered life-threatening, it is possible that some individuals were seriously injured in the accident. Truck accidents can often result in such outcomes, and injured parties may face medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Therefore, negatively affected parties may wish to consider filing personal injury claims against the party or parties considered at fault for the accident in order to seek compensation for damages permitted under Illinois law.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times, “Police: Truck driver falls asleep on Stevenson Expressway, crash leaves six hospitalized”, Ashlee Rezin, June 19, 2015