1 Injured in 18-Wheeler Accident on MO 210 in Orrick, MO

Orrick, MO — March 14, 2025, One person was injured following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 3:45 P.M. on MO 210.

Authorities are investigating after a car accident left one person injured on the afternoon of March 14th. According to official statements, an 18-wheeler operated by a 42-year-old was travelling on MO 210 at the Egypt Road intersection when for unknown reasons the truck lost control as it was struck by high winds, causing the semi to roll over.

When emergency personnel arrived on the scene they found that the driver had been seriously injured and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time it is unclear why the winds were able to cause the truck to overturn, and so far investigators are still piecing together all the details from the crash, this remains an ongoing investigation however, and additional information may be released by officials at a later date.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the injured driver receives the care they need and that those affected get the answers they deserve. While it may seem like a straightforward case of high winds causing a truck to overturn, my experience has shown that crashes like this often have more to them than meets the eye. Before drawing any conclusions, it’s essential to ask three key questions to ensure a full and thorough investigation.

The first question is whether authorities conducted a comprehensive investigation. Law enforcement officers typically document the scene, take witness statements, and assess visible evidence, but the depth of these investigations can vary. In cases involving commercial trucks, investigators should determine whether the wind conditions were severe enough to cause an 18-wheeler to overturn on their own or whether other contributing factors—such as speed, road conditions, or evasive maneuvers—played a role. Additionally, it’s important to examine whether other vehicles in the area were similarly affected by the wind or if this crash was an isolated incident.

The second question—one that is often overlooked—is whether a mechanical or loading issue contributed to the crash. High winds can be dangerous for semi-trucks, particularly if they are hauling an empty or lightly loaded trailer, as this makes them more susceptible to tipping. However, if the truck’s weight distribution was improper or if the trailer had mechanical issues—such as faulty suspension or tires—that could have made the vehicle less stable, that’s something that needs to be investigated. Trucking companies and maintenance providers have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are in safe operating condition, and a failure in any of these areas could have contributed to the crash.

The third question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. Most commercial trucks are equipped with an electronic control module (ECM), which records crucial information such as speed, braking, and steering input in the moments leading up to the crash. Additionally, weather data, dashcam footage, and GPS tracking logs from the truck’s onboard systems could help determine how strong the winds were at the time and whether the driver attempted any corrective actions before the rollover. The challenge is that this type of evidence is time-sensitive and must be secured quickly before it is lost or overwritten.

At the end of the day, answering these three questions isn’t just about understanding how this crash happened—it’s about ensuring that the injured driver and their family have access to the full truth. Serious crashes involving commercial trucks can be complex, and the least we can do as a community is make sure that every possible explanation is explored before reaching any conclusions.