Norton County, KS — August 7, 2024, Alan Gantert was killed following a motorcycle versus truck accident just after 4:00 p.m. along U.S. Highway 36.
According to authorities, Alan Gantert, an 80-year-old man who hailed from Freeville, New York, was traveling on an eastbound motorcycle on U.S. 36 approaching the County Road W1 intersection when the accident took place.
Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a westbound 18-wheeler on the highway attempted a left turn to head south on C.R. W1 at an apparently unsafe time, failing to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. As a result, a collision took place between the motorcycle and and the right side of the truck.
Gantert suffered critical injuries as a result of the wreck; he was taken to an area medical facility by EMS in order to receive immediate treatment. However, he was ultimately unable to overcome the severity of his injuries, having there been declared deceased. No other injuries have been reported. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When people hear about a motorcycle versus truck accident, it’s easy for them to assume it was due to a simple mistake made by one of the drivers. However, in my experience, crashes like these often involve multiple factors that require thorough investigation to fully understand what happened.
In this case, it appears that the truck driver attempted a left turn at a time when it wasn’t safe to do so, leading to a collision with an oncoming motorcycle. Investigators will need to determine why the driver failed to yield the right of way. Was it a case of driver misjudgment, or were there other factors like visual obstructions or distractions that contributed to the decision to turn? It’s also important to consider whether there were any mechanical issues with the truck that could have played a role in the crash.
Given that this accident involved a commercial truck, it’s crucial to examine the possibility of the trucking company’s responsibility. Companies have a duty to ensure that their drivers are well-trained and their vehicles are properly maintained. If the company failed to meet these obligations, they might share in the liability for the accident.
Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain vital evidence, it is crucial to consider every factor to ensure that those impacted by the crash receive the clarity and closure they deserve.
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