Audubon County, Iowa (February 13, 2026) — A South Sioux City, Nebraska, man was injured Friday afternoon in a rural collision between a passenger vehicle and a tractor near the crest of a hill in western Iowa, authorities said.
The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office identified the driver of the car as Eduardo Ramos Rivera. He was transported from the scene by helicopter to a hospital for treatment. Officials have not released details regarding the extent of his injuries.
The tractor was driven by Trevor Gallagher of Manning, Iowa. The crash occurred around 1:30 p.m. on 190th Street, approximately six miles west of Audubon.
Incident Details: According to the sheriff’s office, Rivera was driving along the rural roadway when his vehicle collided with a tractor operated by Gallagher near the top of a hill. The limited visibility often associated with hill crests on rural roads can reduce reaction time for both drivers approaching from opposite directions.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, and one person — identified as Rivera — was airlifted due to the seriousness of his injuries.
Authorities cited Gallagher for failure to yield half of the roadway. Under Iowa traffic law, vehicles meeting on a two-lane roadway are generally required to give at least half of the traveled portion of the road to oncoming traffic. Rivera was cited for driving without a valid license.
Investigation: The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation. In rural roadway collisions involving farm equipment, investigators typically evaluate lane positioning, roadway width, sight distance, and whether the tractor was occupying more than its share of the travel lane.
Hill crests present unique hazards. Drivers approaching from opposite directions may have severely limited visibility until they are within a short stopping distance of one another. Investigators will likely assess whether either vehicle was improperly positioned in the roadway or was traveling at an unsafe speed for the conditions. Crash reconstruction may include analysis of tire marks, vehicle damage patterns, and measurements of the roadway’s width and grade. Authorities may also examine whether proper lighting, reflectors, or slow-moving vehicle emblems were displayed on the tractor.
Citations issued at the scene do not necessarily determine ultimate fault in civil proceedings, but they can provide insight into law enforcement’s preliminary findings.
Legal Considerations: Collisions between passenger vehicles and agricultural equipment often involve complicated right-of-way and lane-use questions. Farm machinery frequently travels at lower speeds and may occupy significant roadway space, particularly on narrow rural roads without shoulders. Factors such as roadway design, visibility limitations, and vehicle positioning can all influence liability analysis.
Pending the final findings of the investigation, Eduardo may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim to help with the cost of medical care, including long-term therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs associated with the collision.
I extend my best wishes for healing to Eduardo Ramos Rivera.