A crash involving a semi-trailer and a car in Aurora early Thursday morning left at least one person dead, according to police. The collision occurred just before 3 a.m. at East 32nd Avenue and Airport Road, near Interstate 70. Authorities closed the intersection for over five hours as they investigated the crash, but details on the cause and number of people injured remain unclear.
Whenever I hear about a collision involving a semi-truck that results in a death, I usually have many questions about the cause. In this story, there are few details so a lot of information needs to be examined by investigators.
What Factors Could Have Played a Role?
With limited details available, it’s important to consider whether driver actions or mechanical failures contributed to the collision. Investigators should determine if the semi-truck was maneuvering through the intersection safely.
Large trucks require more time to stop and maneuver, so braking distance and speed will be important factors to examine. Additionally, investigators should assess whether the semi-truck’s cargo was properly loaded, as unbalanced or shifting freight can affect a driver’s ability to control the vehicle.
What Kinds of Evidence Should Be Collected?
A full investigation should include Engine Control Module (ECM) data from the semi-truck to review speed, braking, and steering inputs before impact. If available, traffic camera footage from nearby intersections could also help determine the sequence of events leading to the crash.
Additionally, authorities should examine the truck’s maintenance records to rule out possible mechanical issues such as brake malfunctions or tire failures, which could have impacted the truck’s ability to stop or maneuver safely. Witness statements and the truck driver’s cell phone records may further help reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash.
Why a Thorough Investigation in This Type of Crash Matters
When a crash results in loss of life, getting the full picture of what happened is important. Understanding whether the semi-truck was operating safely and what factors led to the collision helps provide answers to those affected by the incident. In my experience as a truck accident attorney, thorough investigations often reveal details that aren’t immediately clear.