Two people were killed and another one was injured last month on Highway 313 when a teen driving a semitruck veered into their lane, according to the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP). The fatal crash occurred on Sunday, Aug. 25 between Hardin and St. Xavier in Big Horn County.
The county coroner called it a “horrific crash.” The two men who were killed were 58 and 67. The age of the woman who was injured wasn’t reported. The 17-year-old driver of the semi, which was transporting an empty grain trailer, wasn’t hurt.
According to the MHP, the teen, who is from Hardin, was driving southbound. However, for some reason, he moved into the northbound lane. He wasn’t cited or arrested. However, the crash is still being investigated. After the investigation is complete, the Big Horn County Attorney’s Office will decide whether to charge the young man. An officer with the MHP says the driver didn’t appear to be impaired.
In Montana, a person cannot obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) until they’re 18 years old. However, because this semi was being used for a farm operation, the usual CDL restrictions aren’t applicable.
Truck accidents can occur for any number of reasons. Sometimes, they’re caused by driver error. In other cases, there’s a problem with the vehicle. Drivers and trucking companies may share liability in some instances, such as if the driver wasn’t abiding by state or federal regulations.
That’s why it’s essential if you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed by a truck driver to seek experienced legal guidance to help ensure that you get the compensation you need and deserve. Your ability to seek justice in civil court does not depend on criminal charges being filed or on the at-fault driver being convicted of a crime.