A crash between a semi-truck and a pickup truck left three people injured Monday afternoon at the intersection of Highways 75 and 19, just west of Ivanhoe. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the semi was traveling eastbound on Highway 19 while the pickup was heading northbound on Highway 75 when the two vehicles collided. The pickup driver, 58-year-old Nick Dagel of Lake Benton, was transported to Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls with life-threatening injuries. The semi’s driver and his passenger were taken to Hendricks Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Two small children in the semi were unharmed. Authorities have not yet released details about what led to the crash.
Whenever I hear about a crash like this involving a semi-truck and a smaller vehicle, I think about whether the truck was able to stop in time, who had the right of way, and whether any other factors contributed.
Did the Semi-Truck Have the Right of Way?
One of the first things investigators will need to determine is which vehicle had the right of way at the time of the crash. If the semi-truck ran a stop sign or red light, that could indicate a failure to yield. Surveillance footage, witness statements, and data from the semi-truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) may provide more insight. Authorities should also investigate the semi driver’s cell phone records to see if distraction was a potential factor.
Could Brake Failure Have Played a Role?
One factor investigators should examine is whether the semi-truck’s braking system was functioning properly at the time of the crash. Large commercial trucks rely on air brakes, which require routine maintenance and proper air pressure to function effectively. If there was a mechanical issue, such as worn-out brake pads, a faulty air compressor, or a loss of air pressure, the truck may not have been able to stop in time to avoid the collision.
Why These Kinds of Questions Are Important
Determining the cause of this crash is important not only for the people involved, but also for ensuring accountability. Understanding whether mechanical failures or right-of-way violations played a role will help piece together what happened. In my experience, these investigations often reveal details that aren’t immediately obvious, making it critical to examine all potential factors.