Sherman County, OR (May 29, 2025) – A semi-truck driver suffered serious injuries Thursday evening in a violent crash near Biggs Junction that left the highway littered with debris and another driver in custody. The collision involved two commercial trucks traveling in opposite directions on US-97 and remains under active investigation.
Accident Details: The crash happened just after 7:00 p.m. on May 29, according to Oregon State Police. A 2018 Kenworth semi-truck hauling double trailers was traveling southbound on US-97 when it was sideswiped by a northbound 2016 Kenworth pulling a box trailer. The impact sent the injured driver’s vehicle off course, causing significant damage and prompting an emergency response.
Emergency crews airlifted the southbound driver via LifeFlight to a hospital in Washington for immediate treatment of serious injuries. No update on the driver’s current condition has been released.
The second semi, which was hauling glass bottles, spilled its entire load across the roadway after the trailer was destroyed in the crash. That driver was not injured.
Legal Considerations: In collisions involving semi trucks, injured drivers may face a long road to recovery. Oregon law allows victims of reckless or negligent driving to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and future rehabilitation needs. When a driver operating a commercial vehicle causes harm, liability may extend to both the individual and their employer, depending on the circumstances.
Investigators arrested the northbound driver, identified as 42-year-old Leonardo Lopez, on charges including third-degree assault, reckless driving, and recklessly endangering another person. While the criminal case proceeds, the injured driver may have grounds for a civil claim to help cover the cost of treatment and other damages tied to the crash.
Ongoing Investigation: Lopez was booked at Northern Oregon Regional Corrections following the crash. Authorities continue to investigate whether speeding, inattention, or other violations contributed to the sideswipe impact. The Oregon State Police and local emergency teams worked for hours to clear the debris-strewn roadway and reopen traffic lanes safely.
OSP has not released the name of the injured driver as of Friday morning. Additional updates are expected as the investigation moves forward.
Source: KOIN