Tioga Man Killed in Truck Accident on 60th St NW near Epping, ND
Epping, ND — July 19, 2022, a 66-year-old Tioga man was killed in a crash with a tractor-trailer at an intersection near Epping.
According to reports the incident happened around 5:00 p.m. at the crossing of 60th Street Northwest and 129th Avenue Northwest, roughly four miles west of town. Preliminary investigation suggests the victim's vehicle was passing through the intersection when a semi-truck driver allegedly failed to yield and crashed into it.
The Tioga man was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver was unhurt.
The crash remains under investigation. No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Truck Accident at 60th and 129th near Epping
With reports like these people might think there's little else to say. If police reported that the truck driver failed to yield and caused the crash, what more is there to talk about?
As it happens, things are rarely that simple after truck accidents. Preliminary reports rarely if ever contain the whole story, and trucking companies are known for filling in the blanks with their own "creative" version of what happened. Their goal is to avoid as much responsibility as possible for the accident, which often means disputing police findings and coming up with alternate stories.
For instance, in the Epping crash I wouldn't be surprised to see the truck driver's employer suggest the victim was speeding or used "faulty evasive maneuvers" as the truck entered its path. They might not deny their driver failed to yield, but instead would say the victim's own actions were the proximate cause of his fatal injuries. That may seem heartless, but it's important to remember that the company's attorneys aren't there to make friends and will fight like hell to keep their clients off the hot seat.
That's why it's so important to come prepared and be ready to shut any and all defenses down with clear evidence of what really happened. Police investigations rarely go hard enough to gather all the needed facts, though, which is why I often suggest that victims and families get the help of independent experts. Armed with the proof accident reconstructionists gather, people are much better able to overcome the hurdles put in their way by the defense.
Even if fault seems clear on paper, being ready for pushback will better ensure victims and families get the help they need. Were those steps taken here?
