Rendell Schelske Killed in a Semi-truck Accident Near Olivet, South Dakota

OLIVET, S.D. — The South Dakota Highway Patrol has released the name of the individual involved in a fatal crash that occurred Monday evening, approximately five miles north of Olivet.

According to reports, Rendell Schelske, 73, of Olivet, was driving a 1999 Cadillac DeVille northbound on 426th Avenue. As the vehicle approached the intersection of 281st Street, Schelske slowed down to make a U-turn.

At the same time, a 1998 Peterbilt 379 semi traveling in the same direction attempted to maneuver around the Cadillac as it continued its U-turn. The vehicles collided and came to rest in the west ditch.

Schelske sustained fatal injuries in the crash.

Truck drivers must be held accountable when they cause fatal accidents

Truck drivers have a heightened responsibility to adhere to safe driving practices, given the size and impact of their vehicles. This includes keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them and safely maneuvering their truck. There are many instances of truck drivers failing to adhere to these safety guidelines.

We recently represented occupants of a passenger vehicle in Choctaw County, Oklahoma, who suffered serious injuries after a collision with a commercial tractor-trailer on US Highway 70. More surprisingly, the truck driver attempted to pass their vehicle on the left while they were preparing to make a legal left turn at an intersection. Unfortunately, the evidence showed that the truck driver disregarded multiple Oklahoma traffic safety laws and crashed into wholly innocent motorists.

Unsurprisingly, the trucking company and its team of lawyers tried to deflect responsibility through inadequate safety protocols and improper driver training. This is not fair, considering the clear fault of the trucker who failed to maintain proper distance, made dangerous passing attempts, and drove recklessly, causing life-changing injuries to innocent people.

The surviving family here also deserves answers and for the party at fault to accept accountability. No one should have their loved one taken from them because of a preventable collision that should have never happened.

May they find the support and guidance they need.

*******

The Ammons Law Firm represents clients nationwide in auto and truck accidents that result in serious injury or death.

Disclaimer: This post is not legal advice. Information contained in this blog was compiled from third-party sources or is the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if false or misleading information is contained in this post.