Olmsted County, MN — September 5, 2024, one person was injured following a truck versus farm tractor accident at approximately 8:30 p.m. along S.H. 42.

According to authorities, the accident took place on southbound State Highway 42 in the vicinity of Silver Creek Road.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision occurred between two southbound vehicles: an 18-wheeler and a farm tractor. The 25-year-old man who had been behind the wheel of the tractor suffered injuries of unknown severity as a result of the wreck, according to reports. He was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. No other injuries have been reported. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When accidents like this occur, it’s natural for people to assume it's based solely on driver error. However, from my experience, incidents involving large trucks often have more complex causes that require thorough investigation.

One important area to consider is whether both drivers were aware of each other’s movements and adhering to safety protocols. Farm tractors, due to their size and slower speed, can be particularly vulnerable on highways shared with faster-moving trucks. In this case, it’s essential to look at whether proper safety lighting and signage were in place on the tractor, and whether the truck driver was observing safe following distances and operating at appropriate speeds. The combination of a slow-moving vehicle and a fast-moving truck presents inherent risks, especially at night.

Another key aspect is whether the trucking company had provided proper training to its driver and maintained its vehicle to prevent potential equipment failure. If the truck involved was operating commercially, the company’s responsibility extends beyond just the actions of the driver. They must ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and that drivers are trained to handle challenging situations like sharing the road with farm equipment.

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain vital evidence, it is crucial to consider every factor to ensure that those impacted by the crash receive the clarity and closure they deserve.