Warren County, MO — January 20, 2025, One person was injured following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 1:52 P.M. on Interstate 70.
An investigation is underway into an 18-wheeler accident that left one person injured during the afternoon hours of January 20th. According to official reports, an 18-wheeler was travelling on I-70 in the eastbound lanes, when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and left the roadway and struck a concrete wall.
When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the driver had sustained serious injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including the status of the diver’s injuries, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators can provide clear answers for the person involved and their loved ones. An 18-wheeler losing control, leaving the roadway, and striking a concrete wall raises serious concerns about road conditions, possible mechanical failures, and whether other factors contributed to the crash. While initial reports confirm what happened, they don’t necessarily explain why it happened. To truly understand the cause, three critical questions must be asked.
First, have authorities thoroughly investigated the crash? Law enforcement will typically document the scene, assess road conditions, and consider possible contributing factors such as weather, visibility, and roadway hazards. However, deeper analysis is often necessary. Were there hazardous conditions on I-70—such as ice, standing water, or sudden traffic slowdowns—that may have contributed to the driver losing control? Did the truck leave behind skid marks, suggesting an attempt to stop or maneuver? A full accident reconstruction could help determine whether external conditions played a role.
Second, has anyone looked into the possibility of a vehicle defect? Commercial trucks require routine maintenance, and mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions, steering issues, or tire blowouts—can cause a driver to lose control. Additionally, improper cargo loading or a shifting load can destabilize a truck, increasing the risk of an accident. If any of these factors contributed to the crash, preserving the data for forensic analysis is critical before it is lost or overwritten, as key evidence could be lost.
Third, has all electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Most commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) and electronic control modules (ECMs), which capture critical details such as speed, braking efforts, and steering input leading up to the crash. Additionally, nearby traffic cameras or dashcam footage from passing vehicles may provide valuable insight into what happened. If investigators don’t secure this evidence quickly, it may be lost, making it much harder to determine exactly what led to the crash.
At the end of the day, the driver and their family deserve clear answers. If the official investigation leaves any gaps, independent experts may be needed to ensure that every possible factor is considered. Whether the cause was environmental, mechanical, or something else entirely, the community owes it to those affected to make sure all available evidence is carefully examined.
