Republic County, KS — September 23, 2024, Andrew Pumphrey was killed and two were injured following a truck versus tractor accident at 9:27 p.m. on U.S. 36.
According to initial details about the accident, it happened west of Scandia along westbound lanes of the highway.
Officials said that 38-year-old Andrew Pumphrey was operating a farm tractor along the highway. From behind, an approaching semi-truck crashed into Pumphrey from behind. Pumphrey was killed as a result. Two people from the semi-truck were injured, one with serious injuries.
Authorities have not specified a cause for the crash nor did they report any pending charges.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Typically, people assume a truck rear-ending someone would automatically make the truck driver at fault. Generally, rear drivers are at fault due to common factors like speeding and distracted driving. But things aren’t always so simple. There has to be an explanation of whether or not the victim’s vehicle was clearly visible and avoidable. That requires evidence.
For example, I handled a case a while back involving a semi-truck hitting a disabled vehicle on a dark highway. The trucking company insisted the victim’s vehicle just wasn’t visible enough for their driver to avoid it. Through our investigations, we were able to secure dash cam footage and video from inside the driver’s cabin that completely contradicted the trucking company’s claims. The dash cam video showed the victim’s hazard lights were clearly visible nearly three-quarters of a mile ahead of time. The driver, however, was too busy watching shows on a tablet to bother looking up at the road. By the time he did, it was already too late.
That’s why clear evidence is so important. Investigations can’t just rely on what is or isn’t likely. There has to be an effort to ensure victims and families have as much evidence telling their side of the story as possible. Perhaps that evidence will show this was all just an unavoidable accident. Or, it could show someone’s negligence led to a man losing his life. Either way, the facts need to be the priority after any fatal truck wreck.
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