York County, NE — January 31, 2025, one person was injured in a truck accident at about 8:50 a.m. at U.S. Route 81 and Road 3.
Authorities said a minivan was crossing U.S. 81 after stopping for a stop sign. A northbound semi-truck tried to avoid a collision by veering into the median, but it ended up hitting the minivan.
The driver of the minivan suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities. His name has not been made public at this time.
The truck driver was not injured.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash south of McCool Junction. The accident is still being investigated.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When a semi-truck collides with a minivan at an intersection, most people assume one driver or the other is clearly at fault. In this case, the report states that the minivan stopped at a stop sign before crossing U.S. 81, and the semi-truck attempted to avoid the crash by veering into the median. That raises several key questions that require more than just looking at the crash scene.
One important issue is visibility. Did the minivan driver have a clear view of oncoming traffic before crossing, or was something obstructing their line of sight? Likewise, was the truck visible to the minivan driver from a safe distance, or was it approaching faster than expected? Investigators should check for any traffic cameras, nearby surveillance footage, or witness statements to get a clearer picture.
Speed is another critical factor. How fast was the semi-truck traveling before the crash? The engine control module (ECM) data should be reviewed to determine the truck’s speed and whether the driver attempted to slow down before veering into the median. A truck traveling at or below the speed limit may still be going too fast for an intersection like this, especially if the minivan had limited time to clear the roadway.
Another question is whether road design played a role. Some rural intersections on highways don’t have traffic lights, and vehicles crossing or turning onto a major road must judge gaps in fast-moving traffic. If sightlines were poor or the intersection was poorly designed, that could explain why the minivan driver attempted to cross when they did.
Right now, the details of this crash remain unclear. But a proper investigation should go beyond just noting that the minivan stopped at a sign and that the truck swerved. Investigators need to look at visibility, speed, road design and available evidence to determine who is accountable for this crash. If they don’t, key details could be missed.
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