Samantha Hoffman Killed in Truck Accident in Fairbury, NE
Fairbury, NE -- A two-vehicle collision between a passenger vehicle and a tractor-trailer left 20-year-old Samantha Hoffman dead Wednesday, January 4, 2017.
The incident happened on U.S. Highway 136 about 2:50 p.m., according to reports.
Officials say a passenger van and a tractor-trailer collided in the area of Gilead and Fairbury. Samantha Hoffman, the 20-year-old driver of the van, was killed at the scene of the incident. 61-year-old Fritz Tridle, the driver of the semi-truck, was uninjured in the incident.
Officials are currently examining the details of the incident and hope to learn more as the investigation concludes.
The preliminary media report provided no further information at the time of its release.
map of the area
Commentary
One of the things I have learned from the hundreds of truck accident cases I have litigated over the years is to never take the early reports of an accident for the absolute truth. As is usually the case, the report seems to imply that the driver of the passenger vehicle was definitely at fault. But, from what I have seen, independent investigations into these types of accidents often reveal negligence on the part of the part of truck drivers. Not to say that all truck drivers are irresponsible. On the contrary, most drivers adhere to the rules of the road. But, all it takes is one or two negligent drivers to cast a negative light on the profession as a whole. The reality is there is no way to know exactly what took place in this--or any other accident of this type-- until a more thorough investigation happens.
--Grossman Law Offices
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