LEWISTOWN, Ill. — Illinois State Police are investigating a fatal accident involving a passenger car and a commercial vehicle. Officials said the impact left one person dead.
Authorities said the accident happened May 19 at 12:03 p.m. on U.S. Route 136 near Bottom Lane. Emergency personnel pronounced the driver of the passenger car dead at the scene.
Officials identified the deceased as Melissa Phelps, 42. An autopsy confirmed she died from multiple blunt force injuries caused by the accident.
Investigators said Phelps was driving when her vehicle collided with a commercial truck.
The investigation remains ongoing. Officials urge anyone with information to contact ISP.
Melissa Phelps tragically killed in Lewistown highway accident
May 21, 2025
CRASH INVESTIGATION
Candice Bond, an experienced commercial accident attorney, said that in such cases, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted promptly to protect the rights of a victim.
“Commercial accidents are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents,” said Bond, a Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“A skilled attorney can protect victims from trucking companies, which often send their own investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent truck driver.
“Your lawyer can advocate for you by hiring expert witnesses, conducting driver background checks, locating witnesses to the crash, and reviewing applicable insurance coverage, while carefully guiding a victim through the legal process.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
The family of Melissa Phelps may pursue compensation for damages such as costs associated with the death, loss of income and companionship, and other hardships.
“A death to a family member after an accident is both tragic and devastating to a surviving family. The grief, shock, and anger can be overwhelming,” said Bond.
She added, “Aside from the emotional suffering of those left behind, the death of someone close can have devastating financial implications. Loss of income and funeral costs alone can have tragic consequences when a family member is lost.”
Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in commercial trucking accidents. If you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
