Dawson, NE — January 17, 2025, one person was injured in a truck versus train accident at approximately 8:30 a.m. along U.S. Highway 75.

According to authorities, a passenger vehicle was at a stop at the railroad tracks waiting for a maintenance train to pass on U.S. 75 in the vicinity of the 710 Trail intersection when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, an 18-wheeler collided with the train; following that, it apparently also collided with the stationary car. The person who had behind the wheel of that car suffered injuries of unknown severity; they were reportedly transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment before subsequently being released. 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 crashes like this occur, people often focus on the immediate collision, assuming it stems from a single error or miscalculation. However, in my experience handling commercial vehicle cases, incidents involving large trucks often reveal a web of contributing factors that deserve closer scrutiny. Understanding what caused this truck to collide with a train and a stationary vehicle will likely require investigators to dig deep into not just the driver’s decisions, but also the condition of the truck and the role of any involved parties.

One major point of inquiry should be whether the 18-wheeler’s driver was acting with the level of caution such circumstances demand. Approaching railroad crossings requires heightened vigilance due to the inherent dangers of interacting with trains, especially with other vehicles stopped nearby. Were there distractions, fatigue, or external pressures influencing the driver's ability to safely navigate the situation? Similarly, understanding the truck's speed and whether the driver had enough time to brake and avoid the crash will likely play a critical role.

It’s also important to evaluate the truck itself. A malfunction, such as faulty brakes or a delayed throttle response, could have limited the driver’s ability to avoid the collisions. Proper vehicle maintenance is a responsibility that rests largely with the trucking company. Were the brakes and other safety features fully operational? Did the company maintain the truck according to industry standards? These are questions that must be answered to establish accountability.

The trucking company’s oversight of its driver and vehicle is another essential factor. Companies are responsible for ensuring their employees are properly trained, well-rested, and not overburdened by unrealistic schedules. Any lapses in their management could significantly contribute to a crash like this one. If external pressures or policies compromised the driver’s ability to operate safely, the company may bear responsibility.

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 critical evidence, it’s essential to examine every factor to ensure those impacted by the incident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.