The second fatal semi truck accident in Minnesota — two days apart. Saturday afternoon a car was stopped on Hwy 212, in Carver County, waiting to turn left onto CR 51, when it was rear-ended by a semi truck. The impact threw the car into the oncoming traffic, broadsiding a pick-up truck.
The driver of the car, Sandra Babatz, 45, of Norwood Young America, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pick-up truck, Juan Olvera, 35, of Sullivan, Texas, died as he was being transported to Ridgeview Medical Center. There were 4 other occupants in the truck. All four were critically injured and taken to Ridgeview Medical Center, Waconia. They are: Nancy Castillo, 29, Narely Olvera, 9, Andira Olvera, 8, and Galylea, Olvera, 7, all of Bird Island. The driver of the truck was not injured.
Minneapolis Semi Truck Accidents
Very often when someone is rear-ended, the offender was being inattentive — eating, talking on a cellphone, changing the radio station, or even texting. The District of Columbia and 14 states, including Minnesota, have outlawed texting while driving; but it is still the cause of many semi truck accidents. A recent study by Virginia Tech reported that when a person is texting they take their eyes off the road for nearly 5 seconds. At 55 mph, you can travel the length of a football in that amount of time.
Commercial truck drivers are responsible for driving safely and obeying the laws. Trucking companies are responsible for training their drivers, there are strict state and federal regulations they must follow. The requirements include keeping log books, time sheets, and truck maintenance and inspection records.
Minnesota Semi Truck Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a semi truck accident, you could receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life. Truck accidents need to be investigated immediately and evidence preserved. Call 612-362-0000 or contact us. Our partners are experts at establishing fault and proving liability in difficult cases.
