A man from Nappanee was killed and another person was hospitalized following a crash involving a semi-truck on US 20 in Elkhart County. The collision occurred shortly before 3:00 p.m. just east of the US 33 exit. According to investigators, a semi-truck allegedly rear-ended a vehicle driven by 64-year-old Jerry Lamb, pushing it into another vehicle ahead. Lamb was pronounced dead at the scene, while a passenger in his car was taken to the hospital for treatment. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.
Whenever I hear about a rear-end collision involving a semi-truck, especially one that leads to a fatality, I think about how critical it is to examine the truck’s behavior leading up to the impact. These vehicles take longer to stop, which means any delay in reaction or failure to control speed can have serious consequences.
Was the Semi-Truck Following Too Closely?
Rear-end crashes involving commercial trucks often come down to timing and distance. A semi-truck requires significantly more space to slow down than a passenger car, which is why drivers are trained to maintain longer following distances and remain alert to traffic changes. If the truck failed to stop in time, investigators will need to determine whether it was following too closely, traveling too fast for traffic conditions, or whether the driver failed to respond quickly enough.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Been a Factor?
Any delay in recognizing a slowing or stopped vehicle ahead can be fatal when a semi-truck is involved. Investigators may look into whether the driver was fatigued or distracted, two common issues in commercial trucking. If the driver was using a phone, adjusting in-cab systems, or had exceeded hours-of-service limits, that could have slowed their response and contributed to the crash. A driver who isn’t fully alert, even for a few seconds, can cover the length of a football field without realizing it.
What Details Should Be Analyzed to Figure Out What Happened?
A thorough investigation will likely include reviewing the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM), which may show the vehicle’s speed, braking activity, and throttle input in the moments leading up to the crash. Investigators should also examine any dash camera footage, as it could provide insight into the driver's actions. Witness statements, physical damage patterns, and the position of the vehicles could all help clarify how and why the crash happened. If the truck had any recent mechanical issues, those records should also be reviewed to rule out equipment-related failures.
How a Detailed Investigation Can Provide Answers
When someone loses their life in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, it’s essential to understand exactly what led to the collision. In this case, the fact that the semi-truck reportedly rear-ended a passenger car that was then pushed into a third vehicle makes it especially important to determine how fast the truck was going, how much time the driver had to react, and whether anything prevented them from avoiding the impact. A full investigation can help answer these questions.