Bonner County, ID — April 1, 2025, Two people were injured following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 4:50 P.M. on Highway 95.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left two people injured during the afternoon hours of April 1st. According to official reports, a 72-year-old man was traveling in a Mercedes with a passenger in the northbound lanes on Highway 95, near milepost 470, when for unknown reasons the vehicle crossed into the southbound lanes and struck a 18-wheeler operated by a 46-year-old man.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that both the driver and passenger of the Mercedes had sustained injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment, while the operator of the tractor-trailer was reportedly uninjured. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including the status and identities of those injured, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a passenger vehicle crosses into the path of an oncoming 18-wheeler, the assumption is often that the smaller vehicle must be at fault. And in many cases, that may end up being true. But before anyone draws conclusions, it’s important to understand why that vehicle crossed over—because the answer to that question can make all the difference in determining responsibility.

The reports say the Mercedes crossed from the northbound lanes into the southbound lanes of Highway 95 and collided with a tractor-trailer. That’s the chain of events—but it doesn’t explain what caused the car to veer into the wrong lane. Was the driver distracted or experiencing a medical emergency? Did they swerve to avoid something on the road? Was there a mechanical failure, such as a blown tire or steering issue? Until investigators explore those possibilities, it’s too early to assume anything.

Even in crashes that appear straightforward, the details matter. Investigators should be examining the Mercedes for mechanical defects, checking the scene for signs of evasive maneuvers, and reviewing any available camera footage from nearby traffic systems or dash cams. Witness statements, if available, could also help piece together whether the vehicle’s movement was sudden or gradual, which might suggest different causes.

At the same time, it's worth noting that the 18-wheeler involved in this crash was reportedly uninjured and able to avoid further escalation. Still, that doesn't automatically mean the truck and its driver had no role. Was the truck speeding or traveling too close to the center line? Was there enough time to react, or did the vehicle appear without warning? Those are questions that can only be answered with a full review of physical evidence and onboard truck data.

Accidents like this often hinge on a few seconds of activity and the conditions leading up to them. It’s not enough to say one vehicle crossed the line—what led to that action is where the real legal analysis begins. And unless investigators take the time to fully understand those conditions, they’re not truly explaining what happened. They’re just describing the aftermath.