Eyota, MN (November 21, 2025) – Taylor Alix Hermeier, 34, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, was tragically killed in a crash between a car and a semi-truck along I-90 near Eyota, Minnesota, on Friday afternoon.
Accident Details: The fatal crash occurred around 1:45 p.m. on Friday, according to the Minnesota State Police. A semi-truck traveling northbound on Olmstead County Road hit a car that had taken the eastbound exit ramp off the interstate. Taylor Alix Hermeier was a passenger in the car and was fatally injured in the crash. Jonathan Curtis Gerow was driving the car and was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the truck, Daniel John Kalwasinski, was not hurt. No additional injuries were reported.
Investigation: Because this crash involved a commercial semi-truck and resulted in a fatality, the Minnesota State Patrol and its specialized units will conduct a multi-layer investigation to determine what led to the collision. Steps often include examining:
- Driver visibility. Investigators will evaluate any visual obstructions in the area that may have prevented the semi-truck driver from seeing the car.
- Driver actions. The semi-truck driver’s speed, attention, and reaction time will be reviewed to determine if distraction, impairment, or misjudgment contributed to the collision. As the incident occurred at the point of an exit ramp, they will also determine whether yield signs were present and if both cars were approaching the exit ramp safely.
- Vehicle maneuvering. Semi-trucks have large blind spots and take wide turns. They can also be thrown off-center if cargo shifts. Officials will assess how the truck was moving at the time of impact and whether speed or truck positioning contributed.
- Scene evidence. Officers will document skid marks, debris patterns, vehicle pathing, and the collision point to reconstruct the sequence of events.
- Environmental factors. Lighting, traffic volume, and weather conditions will be taken into account.
- Operational practices and mechanical issues. Inspectors may review whether the semi-truck was operating under standard protocols, including horn use, speed limits, and mandated safety checks. It can also be examined to rule out brake failure, tire issues, or steering problems that could have contributed to the incident.
- Driver statements and witness accounts. Interviews with the drivers and anyone who witnessed the crash will provide additional context and help clarify how the situation unfolded.
Accident reconstruction is frequently used in crash fatalities involving heavy vehicles. Analysis of vehicle dynamics, force of impact, and braking distances can help investigators better understand how the incident occurred and if negligence contributed to the fatality.
Legal Considerations: Semi-truck drivers, like all motorists, have a duty to exercise reasonable care when operating their vehicles. This includes scanning for nearby cars and approaching exit ramp areas safely.
If the investigation shows that the driver failed to yield, was traveling too fast for the conditions, or did not maintain a proper lookout, those actions could be considered negligent. In fatal motor vehicle collisions, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can help recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and other financial impacts.
I extend my deepest condolences to Taylor Alix Hermeier’s family and friends.
Source: WizMNews