One Person Killed and Four Seriously Injured in an Accident with a Semi-truck During a Thanksgiving Week Storm on Interstate 43 in Ozaukee County Near Saukville, Wisconsin

Saukville, Wisconsin — A deadly chain-reaction crash occurred along I-43 on Thursday as a winter storm moved across the region.

Officials say a southbound semi-tractor-trailer lost control on the snow-covered roadway and jackknifed, crossing the median and colliding with two northbound vehicles near the State Highway 33 interchange. A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van and a 2018 Ford Fusion were pinned beneath the tractor after the impact.

The driver of the Mercedes was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital.

A third northbound vehicle, a Subaru Forester, then struck the semi and was forced off the roadway. All three occupants sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital.

Winter Road Crashes Involving Large Trucks Raise Serious Accountability Questions

Snowy, winter weather and heavy holiday travel rarely mix well. This crash is a painful reminder of that. Accidents like this should never happen, especially when people are simply trying to make it home to their loved ones. Large commercial trucks and the companies that put them on the road have a responsibility to operate safely or stay off the highways during inclement weather. So what went wrong here?

Semi-trucks do not just jackknife and cross a median on their own. These incidents are often caused by excessive speed for the conditions, worn or poorly maintained brakes, improper loading, or a driver who was not trained or permitted to slow down or stop when the weather required it. We have to ask: Did any of these factors contribute to this crash?

Through our years of experience handling cases like this, we know those responsible will do all they can to minimize, deflect, or shift blame. But they should be held accountable to the fullest when negligent actions cause others great harm. Experienced commercial truck attorneys help make sure that happens.

One person lost their life, four others are seriously injured, and family members have been left to grieve. Those affected by this tragedy have every right to ask questions and demand a full accounting of what went wrong.

We hope they find the answers they deserve.

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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.