A serious collision between two tractor-trailers occurred Wednesday evening in Biggs Junction, Oregon, resulting in one driver being airlifted to a hospital. The crash happened around 7:10 p.m. on Highway 97 when a northbound 2016 Kenworth allegedly semi sideswiped a southbound 2018 Kenworth pulling dual trailers. The injured driver, a 35-year-old man from Yacolt, Washington, sustained serious injuries and was transported by LifeFlight. The other driver, who was not hurt, was arrested at the scene.
Whenever a commercial vehicle crash leads to a serious injury, I pay close attention to what the early facts reveal. This case raises questions about how the two trucks came into contact and what actions each driver took in the moments before impact. When one semi drifts into the path of another, it’s critical to understand why.
Could Fatigue or Distraction Be a Factor?
At 7:10 p.m., fatigue isn’t always the first explanation that comes to mind, but it’s still a possibility. Long-haul truckers may have been driving for hours before this kind of late-evening crash. If the 2016 Kenworth driver had been distracted by a communication device, in-cab control, or external condition, it could help explain the failure to maintain a safe lane. Investigators may need to examine each vehicle’s telematics data and the 2016 Kenworth driver’s hours-of-service logs to uncover more.
Could Mechanical Failure Have Played a Role?
With a crash involving a sideswipe and loss of control, it’s also possible that a mechanical issue contributed. Steering system failures, suspension problems, or brake imbalances can cause even a well-trained driver to drift or miscalculate a movement. The 2016 Kenworth should be thoroughly inspected to rule out these possibilities and to see if any pre-existing defects may have played a role.
Evidence That Could Clarify the Crash
Key evidence will likely include dashcam or surveillance footage, ECM data from both trucks, and system inspections. Interviews with witnesses and analysis of road markings and debris patterns will also be essential to confirm how and why the sideswipe occurred.
Why the Investigation Matters
When a commercial vehicle crash results in a serious injury, a thorough investigation is crucial to figure out what went wrong and why. In my experience, these cases are rarely as simple as they first appear. Carefully reviewing all available evidence is the best way to get answers for those affected.