Clark County, WI — January 27, 2026, Eric Evenstad was killed and another person was injured in a dump truck accident just before 8 a.m. on State Highway 29/World War I Veterans Memorial Highway.

Authorities said a pickup was heading west near Fisher Avenue when it lost control and spun into the path of a St. Croix County dump truck.

Pickup driver Eric Evenstad, 59, died February 7 from injuries suffered in the crash, according to authorities.

The dump truck driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Clark County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When people read about a crash like this, the first questions that come to mind are simple: How did this happen? Who’s responsible? And are we getting the full story?

We’re told that a pickup lost control, spun and entered the path of a dump truck on Highway 29. That sounds straightforward. But crashes are rarely that simple.

It’s not clear why the pickup lost control. Was the road icy? Was there black ice in that area? Was the driver braking hard or trying to avoid something? We don’t yet know whether weather, speed, mechanical failure or some outside factor played a role. Until those questions are answered, it’s impossible to fully understand what set this chain of events in motion.

At the same time, the dump truck’s role shouldn’t be brushed aside just because another vehicle spun out. Depending on how far away the truck was when the pickup entered its lane, different questions arise. How fast was the dump truck traveling? Did the driver brake immediately? What does the truck’s engine control module show about speed and braking in the seconds before impact?

If the truck had a dash cam or in-cab camera, that footage could provide clear answers. Cell phone records could confirm whether distraction played any part. Maintenance records would show whether the truck’s brakes and tires were in proper condition. These are not assumptions; they are standard parts of a thorough truck crash investigation.

Another important issue is visibility and reaction time. Was the highway treated for winter conditions? Were there prior reports of slick spots near Fisher Avenue? If the pickup suddenly spun into the truck’s lane, the question becomes whether the collision was unavoidable or whether earlier braking or a lower speed might have changed the outcome. That’s something data, not guesswork, can help determine.

In my experience, early reports often leave out the details that matter most. Authorities have not released additional information. That means key facts are still unknown. And when facts are missing, it’s important not to rush to judgment in either direction.

Crashes involving commercial vehicles require a deeper look because those vehicles carry more weight, take longer to stop and are often equipped with data systems that can tell us exactly what happened. The goal isn’t to point fingers; it’s to let the evidence speak.

Only after reviewing the physical evidence, electronic data, road conditions and driver history can anyone fairly determine responsibility.

Key Takeaways

• Early reports leave major unanswered questions about why the pickup lost control.
• Dump truck data, including black box and possible camera footage, could clarify speed and braking.
• Road and weather conditions may be central to understanding how this crash unfolded.
• A full investigation, not assumptions, is the only way to determine accountability.