Richard Beagle, 41, was injured on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, when a semi-truck crossed the lane on Interstates 57 and 70 and smashed into his car.
The accident happened around 4 p.m. on the north side of Effingham, Illinois. According to the preliminary investigation, Beagle, of Effingham, was traveling southwest in a 2017 Gray Honda Civic in the center lane. David Blalock, of Brinkley, Arkansas, was driving the semi-truck southwest in the left lane. He was driving a white 2019 Freightliner pulling a 2018 Utility trailer.
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Blalock was not paying attention, which caused him to drift into the next lane over, right as Beagle was passing his semi. The 42-year-old truck driver collided with Beagle’s vehicle and pushed it for about a quarter of a mile.
Beagle was injured in the accident. Abbott Ambulance transported him to nearby HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, also in Effingham, Illinois.
The accident occurred about half of a mile east of Milepost 161.
When the accident occurred, firefighters from Effingham helped the Illinois State Police on the scene. According to Effingham Fire Chief Bob Tutko, a firefighter and his wife noticed the crash. They stopped so they could help Beagle get out of the car. The couple is from Texas.
Blalock received a citation for improper lane usage.