Polk County, IA — November 27, 2024, Mary Bartine was killed following a truck accident sometime in the morning along NE Hubbell Avenue, U.S. Highway 65.
According to authorities, 89-year-old Mary Bartine was traveling in an eastbound SUV on Hubbell Avenue at the NE 112th Street intersection when the accident took place.
The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision took place between the SUV and a northbound 18-wheeler hauling a load of pigs on NE 112th Street. Bartine sustained critical injuries as a result of the wreck; she was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive immediate treatment. However, she was ultimately unable to overcome the severity of her injuries, having there been declared deceased. 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 a crash like this occurs, people may assume it resulted from a simple mistake by one of the drivers. However, based on my experience, accidents involving commercial trucks often require deeper investigation to uncover all the factors that played a role.
What could lead to a collision between an SUV and an 18-wheeler at this intersection? Did one of the drivers fail to yield, perhaps misjudging the other’s speed or position? Did poor visibility, distractions, or confusion about the right-of-way contribute to what happened? Answering these questions is critical to understanding the circumstances of the crash.
It’s also important to examine the operation of the 18-wheeler. Was the driver adhering to speed limits and driving responsibly, or were they distracted or fatigued? Fatigue is a common issue in the trucking industry, and even a brief lapse in attention can have disastrous consequences. Additionally, was the truck in good working condition? Issues like faulty brakes or tires can easily create situations where drivers cannot stop or maneuver in time to avoid a collision.
The trucking company that owned the vehicle also deserves scrutiny. Did they provide adequate training and oversight to their driver? Were they compliant with federal safety regulations, including limits on driver hours and maintenance requirements? A company’s commitment to safety—or lack thereof—can play a significant role in preventing or contributing to accidents like this one.
Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the accident. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain critical evidence, it’s essential to examine every factor to ensure those impacted by the incident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.
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