Travis Rydberg's Car Accident



Hello everyone, 

I have decided to start a gofundme for Travis Rydberg as a result of the car accident he was unfortunate enough to be involved in on June 15, 2018. Travis worked as a fly fishing guide based in West Yellowstone, MT.

The accident occurred on Highway 20 in Island Park, ID.  There were 2 cow elk and 2 calf elk standing in the middle of the highway.  Travis was the first vehicle stopped in the northbound lane due to the elk crossing.  Traffic was also stopped in the southbound lane.  A driver traveling south at highway speeds decided to pass all of the stopped and slowing vehicles in the southbound lane, consequently hitting Travis head-on at 65 mph once he reached the elk. The driver was operating a company car owned and insured by Burlington Northern Railroad (BNSF).

No one has accepted liability or is willing to pay for Travis's medical bills. All of the medical statements have been returned, and the insurance company of the at-fault driver who hit Travis claims they are not responsible. The amount of these bills is exceedingly high and he still needs further medical treatment.  Travis cannot continue to get the medical attention he needs due to concern these bills will fall on his shoulders. Travis is injured and he also lost his truck, boat, trailer, and livelihood. Because of the accident, he is unable to work and has accrued tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills which no one is claiming any responsibility for.  Travis needs to begin paying these bills very soon otherwise, they will go to collections.

This has been very frustrating and disheartening.  How is it possible that Travis is held responsible while experiencing the consequences of someone else's poor decision?  Travis was stopped in his lane for a few minutes, watching the elk in the road like many of the other drivers.  The elk did not magically appear, they were standing in the road for quite some time.  It is difficult to believe our legal system would allow BNSF to avoid responsibility.

Travis Rydberg needs some financial help.  I am certain that he would never set up a gofundme for himself.  I took the reins and decided I would reach out to all of the people who care about him, and to anyone else who is interested in his case.  

This is his story.  Any form of help would be extremely appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this.