Sherman, WI — August 15, 2024, Jeffery Blankenheim was killed following a truck versus train accident sometime in the afternoon along Abbott Drive.
According to authorities, 66-year-old Jeffery Blankenheim was traveling in an 18-wheeler loaded with liquid manure at a railroad crossing on Abbot Drive in the vicinity of S.H. 57 when the accident took place.
The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the 18-wheeler was struck by a train at the railroad crossing. Blankenheim suffered reportedly fatal injuries as a result of the wreck. There have not been any other injuries reported in connection with this collision. 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 accidents like this happen, it’s easy for people to assume they result from simple mistakes, such as a failure to notice an oncoming train. However, based on my experience, accidents involving large trucks often have deeper, more complex causes that require thorough investigation.
In this case, investigators need to examine several potential factors. Did the railroad crossing have adequate warning systems in place, such as lights or gates, and were they functioning properly at the time of the crash? It’s also crucial to determine whether the truck driver had a clear line of sight or if something obstructed his view of the approaching train. Given the nature of the load—a tanker filled with liquid manure—there might also be concerns about whether the weight or shifting of the load affected the truck’s ability to stop or maneuver safely.
If the truck was operating as part of a commercial fleet, the trucking company’s role in maintaining the vehicle and ensuring the driver was properly trained and alert should also be scrutinized. If any deficiencies are found in these areas, the company could share responsibility for the crash.
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.
call us 
Email Us 
Text us