Hannah Kocher and One Other Killed, Jacob Shepard Seriously Injured in an Accident with a Semi-truck Who Ran a Stop Sign on Highway 85 Near Watford City, North Dakota

WATFORD CITY, N.D. — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a crash south of Watford City on Sunday morning as 25-year-old Hannah Kocher. A child, whose name has not been released, was also killed in the collision.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Highway 85 and 23rd Street Northwest.

According to reports, a 2013 Ford Fusion driven by 25-year-old Jacob Shepard was traveling on Highway 85 when it was struck on the passenger side by a 2006 Peterbilt. Troopers said the Peterbilt failed to stop at a posted sign before entering the intersection.

Both vehicles came to rest in a ditch at the southeast corner of the intersection. Kocher and the child were pronounced dead at the scene. Shepard was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries.

All occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

Victims of fatal commercial truck collisions deserve answers and justice

From the press release details, it seems the Ford Fusion was doing everything right. They were in their lane. They were wearing their seatbelts. They were obeying all traffic laws. Yet two people still lost their lives, and one was seriously injured. All because of a truck driver who, for whatever reason, failed to stop at a posted traffic sign.

These types of crashes happen far too often. We recently handled a wrongful death case involving a fatal intersection crash. That collision occurred when a company driver failed to yield the right of way at a stop sign and drove directly into the path of another vehicle, causing a violent impact that claimed an innocent life.

That tragedy was entirely preventable. The trucking company negligently hired, trained, and employed an unqualified and reckless driver to operate a company vehicle. These companies also failed to enforce basic traffic safety protocols. Now, they are trying to avoid responsibility.

This tragedy on Highway 85 was also entirely preventable. The truck driver’s actions, along with the truck’s running condition, must come to light so that all parties who share fault can answer for their actions.

May all the facts come to light soon for all those seeking answers in this terrible accident.

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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.