UPDATE (May 30, 2025): Recent reports have been released that confirm the fact that one person was hurt as a result of this wreck. The person who had been behind the wheel of the 18-wheeler hauling two trailers—a 35-year-old man from Yacolt, Washington—reportedly suffered serious injuries. The driver of the other 18-wheeler has been arrested, reports state; authorities have apparently recommended multiple charges including third-degree assault, reckless driving, and recklessly endangering another person. It was also noted in the news update that his commercial driver's license was expired at the time of the wreck. No additional details are currently available. The investigation remains ongoing.

Sherman County, OR — May 28, 2025, at least one person was injured following a two-truck accident that took place at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Sherman Highway.

According to videos of the accident that have been published in the news, the accident took place on Sherman Highway (U.S. 97) in the vicinity of Interstate Highway 84.

In the video, it shows an 18-wheeler hauling two trailers slowing and coming to a stop before another 18-wheeler hauling a single trailer in the opposite direction comes into view. The single-trailer 18-wheeler seems to be moving at speed and, for as yet unknown reasons, its trailer tips over to the left, causing a collision with the stopped 18-wheeler with the two trailers. After the initial collision, reports state that the single-trailer 18-wheeler continued on and reportedly made a turn onto a different road before coming to a stop.

There were no reports of injuries in the actual news reports, but photographs of the scene which were also published in the news show one person being transported on a gurney. There was also a LifeFlight helicopter at the scene of the wreck. The number of people injured and the severity of those injuries remains unclear. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary

When people hear that one semi-truck tipped over and hit another that was stopped on the highway, they naturally want to know—how does something like that even happen? And more importantly, who should be held responsible?

At first glance, it seems obvious that the driver of the truck that tipped is at fault. Authorities apparently agree, since they’ve arrested him and are recommending criminal charges. But experience has taught me not to stop there. When a crash involves an 18-wheeler rolling onto its side and hitting another, we’re often looking at more than just driver error. The real question is: what caused the truck to lose control in the first place?

Unanswered Questions

There’s a lot we don’t know yet. For instance:

• Was the driver speeding, distracted, or under the influence?
• Did the truck suffer a mechanical failure?
• Was the trailer improperly loaded, causing it to become unstable?
• Did road conditions or weather contribute?
• What exactly does the video show about the truck’s behavior just before it tipped?

The reports confirm that the trucker’s CDL was expired and he now faces several charges, including reckless driving and assault. But those facts don’t tell us why the trailer tipped. Did the company that hired him know his license wasn’t valid? Was this someone they vetted properly? That’s where things get legally interesting.

Getting to the Bottom of It

Any thorough investigation needs to go far beyond the crash scene. In my experience, cases like this often turn on data pulled from the truck itself. The engine control module (or “black box”) can reveal speed, braking, and steering inputs. If the truck had in-cab cameras, they could show whether the driver was paying attention. Cell phone records might indicate whether he was texting or on a call.

Even the condition of the trailer matters. If it was loaded improperly or the cargo shifted suddenly, that could explain the loss of balance. That’s not speculation—it's a reality I’ve encountered in other cases. One crash I litigated involved steel loaded so poorly it essentially turned into a giant blade hanging off the back of the trailer. Several people were found responsible in that case—not just the driver, but also the company that loaded the trailer and the one that planned the route.

Why Driver Vetting Matters

This crash also raises big questions about hiring and oversight. If the driver's license was expired, how was he allowed behind the wheel? Was the company tracking credentials properly? I’ve seen more than one case where a driver was hired despite glaring red flags—fired from several jobs, barely tested, or not trained to handle the equipment.

When companies cut corners with hiring or driver oversight, they don’t just gamble with their own trucks—they put everyone on the road at risk.

Key Takeaways

• The key issue here is why the trailer tipped—driver error, mechanical failure, load shift, or something else.
• Critical evidence includes ECM data, in-cab video, and cell phone records.
• An expired CDL raises serious concerns about how the driver was vetted and monitored.
• Cargo balance and loading practices must also be scrutinized.
• Legal responsibility may extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company and others involved in vehicle operation and oversight.