OTOE COUNTY, Neb.—Michael McClintock, a 45-year-old Pawnee City resident, tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in a Jan. 15 head-on collision between a semi-truck and SUV.
McClintock was driving an SUV eastbound on Nebraska 2 when the vehicle reportedly hit a westbound semi head-on for reasons that were not immediately apparent. According to local officials, the accident occurred east of Palmyra at about 12:30 a.m.
First responders transported McClintock and his two passengers, a 26-year-old man, and a 27-year-old woman, from Falls City, Neb., to Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln with serious injuries. McClintock later died from his injuries. His two passengers are reportedly in stable but critical condition.
Syracuse hospital treated the driver of the semi, 41-year-old Andrew Kibbe, of Fernley, Nev., for minor injuries. His passenger, a 37-year-old man from Sparks, Nev., did not suffer injuries.
Officials reported that weather conditions at the time of the accident included icy roadways and blowing snow, which reduced visibility. Drivers and passengers in both vehicles were wearing seatbelts.
The local sheriff’s office’s investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Thoughts on the Palmyra Accident that Resulted in One Death and Serious Personal Injuries
I am deeply saddened to learn of the untimely death of Mr. Michael McClintock and the injuries sustained by his fellow travelers. This is a severe accident with far-reaching ramifications. I extend my condolences to the families, friends, and communities of all involved.
Accidents involving semi-trucks and passenger vehicles nearly always end in tragedy. The size variance between the two vehicles renders the passenger vehicle in grave danger of serious harm. In 2019, semi accidents involving a semi-truck and passenger vehicle accounted for 2,204 fatalities, 96% of which were the passenger vehicle’s occupants.
Given the significant risks associated with commercial travel, regulations have been enacted to protect fellow travelers. These protections include commercial driver licenses, stringent maintenance standards, highway checkpoints, and daily driving regulations. However, despite concerted efforts, commercial accidents continue to plague our roadways.
In commercial accidents, it is wise to investigate the corporation’s actions before the accident. Did the corporation do all it could to ensure safe travel? Was the truck properly maintained? Was the driver sober and within legal driving limits? Had the corporation provided the driver adequate training for the road condition? Some folks will look at these questions and think I am shifting blame onto the corporation. I am not. I am simply pointing out that given the high risk of death associated with commercial transportation, for-profit entities must take all precautions feasible to limit the threat posed to fellow travelers.
Disclaimer: All the information in this post is from third-party sources or constitutes my opinion. If you are not comfortable with this post or would like further information, please reach out to my firm to speak with me.
