York, PA — January 8, 2025, Brandon Hennel was injured in a truck accident at about 7:30 p.m. on southbound Interstate 83.
Brandon Hennel, 24, reportedly was on his way to visit his girlfriend when a sheet of ice from a passing semi-truck came loose and crashed into his windshield. He suffered severe facial injuries in the incident.
The truck kept going, likely unaware of what had happened, his family said in news reports.
Brandon Hennel now faces the possibility of multiple surgeries to repair the damage caused by the accident, according to his family.
The incident is being investigated by authorities.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
This incident on Interstate 83 highlights the dangers posed by snow and ice buildup on commercial vehicles. When a sheet of ice comes loose from a moving truck, it can effectively become a projectile, capable of causing significant damage and serious injuries, as seen here.
One key issue is whether the truck driver and their employer took reasonable steps to clear the truck of ice and snow before it went on the road. Federal law does not specifically require commercial drivers to remove ice from their vehicles, but some states impose such regulations, recognizing the risks these situations create. Even in the absence of a legal mandate, drivers and trucking companies have a general duty to ensure their vehicles are safe to operate. Failing to clear ice from a trailer could potentially be viewed as negligence.
Another concern is whether the truck driver was aware that the ice had dislodged and caused harm. It’s plausible the driver did not realize what had occurred, but that does not absolve the company of responsibility for ensuring their vehicles are properly prepared for travel.
This case also underscores the difficulty of identifying vehicles involved in incidents like this. With the truck having left the scene, authorities may face challenges in determining which vehicle was responsible. Investigators may rely on witness accounts, traffic camera footage or reports from other drivers who noticed the truck.
For injured man and his family, the focus now shifts to recovery, but they also deserve answers about whether this injury could have been prevented. The trucking industry should take this incident as a reminder of the importance of proactively addressing ice and snow hazards. Whether through better regulations, improved technology for clearing trailers or heightened driver awareness, steps can and should be taken to reduce the risks of similar incidents in the future.
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