Murray, UT — February 13, 2025, One person was injured following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred Thursday morning on I-15.
An investigation is underway following an 18-wheeler accident that left one person injured during the morning hours of February 13th. According to official reports, an 18-wheeler was traveling on I-15 near I-215 in the southbound lanes when for unknown reasons the the truck lost control and rolled on its side.
When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the driver had sustained injuries and transported him to the hospital for treatment. At this time it remains unknown what caused the truck to lose control, however this is an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by officials in the future.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators are able to determine exactly what happened. An 18-wheeler rolling onto its side is not something that happens without cause, and while driver error is often assumed to be the main factor, experience has shown that these incidents can be far more complex. Before reaching any conclusions, it’s essential to ask three key questions.
First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Law enforcement officers do their best with the resources available to them, but crash investigations can vary greatly in depth and detail. A full investigation should include accident reconstruction, an examination of road conditions, and a review of any potential contributing factors, such as sudden evasive maneuvers or interactions with other vehicles. Given that this crash involved a commercial truck, agencies like the Department of Transportation or the National Transportation Safety Board may also become involved. However, even with specialized investigators, some factors—such as mechanical issues—may not receive the attention they deserve.
Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? Commercial trucks undergo significant wear and tear, and mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions, steering issues, or tire blowouts—can lead to a truck losing control. Additionally, issues with the truck’s cargo load, including improper weight distribution or shifting freight, can also contribute to rollovers. Investigators should inspect the vehicle, review its maintenance history, and determine whether a defect or mechanical failure played a role. Unfortunately, these possibilities are often overlooked unless someone actively pursues them.
Lastly, has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Most commercial trucks are equipped with an electronic control module (ECM) that records crucial data, including speed, brake application, and steering input leading up to the crash. Additionally, GPS tracking data and dashcam footage (if available) could provide further insight into what happened. This kind of electronic evidence is invaluable in determining whether mechanical failure, road conditions, or another factor contributed to the crash. However, if investigators don’t act quickly, this data could be lost or overwritten.
At the end of the day, understanding exactly why this crash occurred is the least that those affected deserve. While it may seem like the truck simply lost control, that assumption doesn’t account for all the potential contributing factors. A thorough investigation that answers these three key questions can provide much-needed clarity for the driver, the trucking company, and the broader community.
