Jackson County, SD — January 4, 2025, two drivers were injured following a dual semi-truck accident at around 10:00 a.m. on Interstate 90.

Preliminary details about the accident say that the crash happened along westbound I-90 east of Kadoka, which is roughly 250 miles west of Sioux Falls and 95 miles east of Rapid City.

According to officials, two semi-trucks were both traveling along westbound I-90 in the area of mile marker 164. In a series of events unclear, the two trucks collided in a rear-end collision. As a result, both drivers had reportedly serious injuries. There did not appear to be anyone else involved in the accident.

At this time, additional details about the crash are unavailable. Investigations are ongoing.

Commentary

While some folks jump to the conclusion that I'm "anti-trucker," many of the hundreds of cases I've handled involving commercial trucks were situations where responsible, safe truck drivers were hurt or killed due to the actions of inexperienced or reckless truckers. Few know better than truck drivers themselves that a lot of employers out there will put anyone on the road despite their history of reckless behavior or lack of qualifications. Moreover, a lot of companies put pressure on drivers to cut corners and break the rules for the sake of productivity. Not only does this put their own employees at risk, but it makes the roads dangerous for everyone—including responsible truck drivers. Maybe this crash happened due to other contributing factors, but it's important for people to understand that these dangers affect other commercial truck drivers, not just people on four wheels.

That's why I have to wonder what kind of attention this crash is getting. A police department out in rural South Dakota might have experienced investigators and proper equipment at its disposal. That said, in my thirty years of handling commercial vehicle accident cases, I rarely see even large police departments dedicate the time, experience, and tools needed for a complex truck wreck. The chances this crash would have that without help from independent accident reconstructionists doesn't seem very likely. Ultimately, truck drivers and drivers in typical cars have something in common: They need as much evidence as possible telling their side of the story. Are proper steps being taken here to see that happens?