A crash involving multiple semi-trucks blocked several westbound lanes of Interstate 90 near North Bend, Washington, early Monday morning.
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, the crash occurred just west of State Route 202. Emergency crews from Eastside Fire & Rescue confirmed that one person was transported to a local hospital. Officials have not yet released details on how the crash occurred, and the investigation remains ongoing.
When I hear about a collision involving multiple semi-trucks on a major highway, I think about how important it is to examine the decisions and conditions that led up to the crash. In my experience, these incidents often come down to timing, driver behavior, and whether each vehicle was being operated safely for the traffic and road conditions at the time.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Played a Role?
Collisions between multiple semi-trucks raise immediate questions about driver alertness and spacing. When traffic slows or shifts unexpectedly, maintaining proper following distance is critical. Even a single moment of distraction or fatigue can prevent a driver from reacting in time.
Investigators should review hours-of-service records, logbooks, cell phone data, and any available in-cab video or electronic logging device (ELD) data to determine whether one or more drivers may have been fatigued or inattentive when the crash occurred.
Could Mechanical Issues or Improper Cargo Loading Have Contributed?
Semi-truck crashes of this nature also require a close look at the mechanical condition of each vehicle involved. Investigators should examine whether all trucks had fully operational braking systems, properly inflated tires, and balanced loads. A mechanical issue or improperly secured cargo could reduce a truck’s ability to respond quickly or handle sudden changes in traffic flow. The weight and distribution of each truck’s load could also have played a role in how the vehicles reacted during the collision sequence.
What Types of Evidence Should Investigators Review?
To fully understand how this multi-vehicle crash unfolded, investigators will need to gather both physical and digital evidence. The Engine Control Module (ECM) data from each truck can provide key information about speed, braking efforts, and throttle position in the moments before the collision.
Scene evidence—including skid marks, debris patterns, and final vehicle positions—will help reconstruct the sequence of events. If dash cam footage or nearby traffic camera recordings are available, these may offer additional insights into how the trucks were positioned and whether evasive actions were attempted.
Why Ask These Questions?
When multiple semi-trucks are involved in a highway collision, it’s rarely a simple matter of driver error alone. From my experience with truck accident claims, I’ve found that these cases require a detailed investigation into vehicle condition, driver decisions, and other factors. Only by examining each piece of evidence can investigators determine what caused the crash and provide answers to those affected by it.