Trucker Injured in Rear-End Crash with Big Rig on US-41 in Vigo County, IN
Vigo County, IN — November 30, 2022, one person was seriously injured when a tractor-trailer rear-ended another big rig on U.S. Highway 41 in Vigo County.
Authorities say the incident happened early Wednesday evening along US-41 near Harlan Drive, around five miles south of Terre Haute. Investigators released few details about the wreck except to say that an 18-wheeler rear-ended another truck on the highway.
The striking driver suffered unspecified injuries in the crash and was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital. No other injuries were reported.
The investigation continues. No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Vigo County Truck Accident on US-41
People may think there's not much else to say after a crash like this where one truck crashes into the back of another. Some of that may stem from the mistaken impression that the rear driver is always at fault in such a crash, but whatever their reason for writing it off people should know that few if any accidents are really that straightforward. It's always important to investigate carefully and thoroughly and learn what really happened.
Consider the Vigo County wreck, for example: Even if one truck crashed into the other, that doesn't explain how or why. Anything from simple driver mistakes like getting distracted or following too closely to inexperience and poor training to brake failure to the other truck slowing or stopping suddenly ahead could have been factors, and it's up to investigators to find out whether they were.
Unfortunately it's sometimes a bit of a crap shoot whether police will take the time and care to really learn the whole story, which is why I often recommend that independent experts look again and make sure nothing slipped through the cracks. At the very least, the victim deserves the benefit of the doubt and the reassurance that no stone will be left unturned.
