Dodge City, KS — January 4, 2025, Bernabe Rincon was killed and Angel Ramirez was injured in a truck accident at about 6:20 p.m. on U.S. Route 56.
Authorities said a 2019 International semi-truck jackknifed due to icy conditions, then its trailer was struck by a 2017 Toyota Tacoma pickup.
Toyota driver Bernabe E. Rincon, 28, died after the crash, while passenger Angel Ramirez, 27, was hospitalized with serious injuries, according to authorities.
The truck driver, a 58-year-old man, was not injured, authorities said.
The crash is still under investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
In my experience, crashes in adverse weather often highlight the challenges of operating vehicles safely on slick or icy roads. My first thought after a crash like this is to examine how the weather, road conditions and driver actions combined to create this deadly situation.
One critical question is whether the semi-truck driver was traveling at an appropriate speed for the conditions. Icy roads significantly reduce traction, and even when operating below the speed limit, large trucks can jackknife if they brake or maneuver too aggressively. Investigators should look at the truck’s black box data to understand its speed, braking and other movements leading up to the crash.
The condition of the highway at the time of the crash also warrants scrutiny. Was the road properly treated with sand or salt to reduce ice? If not, the lack of preventative measures could have contributed to the truck losing control. Investigators should review whether weather reports were adequate to warn drivers and whether road crews had the opportunity to address the conditions.
Another factor to consider is the placement and visibility of the jackknifed truck after it lost control. Large vehicles like semis can block multiple lanes when they jackknife, creating significant hazards for other road users. Was the truck positioned in a way that allowed the approaching the pickup driver sufficient time to see and react, or was the icy road an unavoidable obstacle for the pickup?
Finally, crashes like this highlight the importance of proper winter driving training for truck drivers. Commercial drivers are held to higher standards due to the risks their vehicles pose in adverse conditions. Investigators should examine whether the truck driver followed best practices for driving in icy conditions, including maintaining a safe speed and using proper braking techniques.
Ultimately, determining accountability will require a detailed investigation into the weather, roadway treatment, driver behavior, and vehicle conditions. By addressing these factors, authorities can work to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future, even in challenging winter conditions.
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