A crash on the southbound side of I-95 near mile marker 190 in Orono sent one woman to the hospital Monday after her SUV collided with a semi-truck and was pushed into a tree. According to reports, the woman was trapped inside her vehicle and had to be extricated by emergency personnel before being transported to a Bangor hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The semi-truck driver was reportedly uninjured. Authorities are still working to determine the cause of the crash.
When a collision between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle results in someone being pinned inside their car, it's important to look closely at how and why that kind of impact occurred.
Was the Truck Driver Distracted or Fatigued?
One of the first questions investigators may ask is whether the truck driver was fully attentive in the moments leading up to the crash. Distraction or fatigue are known risk factors in crashes involving commercial vehicles, and it’s possible that delayed reaction time contributed to the severity of this collision.
Could Vehicle Malfunctions Have Played a Role?
Beyond driver behavior, mechanical issues could be a factor. Investigators may review the truck’s maintenance records to determine if brake failure, steering issues, or other mechanical problems limited the truck driver's ability to slow down or avoid the SUV. The semi’s Engine Control Module (ECM) could provide valuable data on speed, braking, and throttle usage leading up to the impact.
What Information Is Needed to Understand What Happened
To get a full picture of how the crash unfolded, key evidence should be gathered. This includes photographs from the scene, measurements of skid marks or impact points, eyewitness accounts, and any available dashcam or surveillance footage. Reviewing data from the ECM may help confirm whether the truck driver attempted to brake or swerve. These details will be essential in determining what led to the crash.
The Role of Thorough Investigation in Understanding What Happened
Anytime a semi-truck crash leads to an injury, it raises serious questions. From what I’ve seen in similar cases, getting to the bottom of what happened takes more than surface-level details. A thorough investigation helps ensure those involved get clear answers and that all contributing factors, whether driver-related or mechanical, are fully considered.