Iowa City, IA — November 20, 2024, Jeremy Rogers was killed in a truck accident at about 5:15 a.m. on eastbound Interstate 80 in Johnson County.
Authorities said a Volvo semi-truck veered off the highway for an unknown reason. The truck crashed into a bridge guardrail and rolled over on the driver’s side in a ditch.

Jeremy Rogers, 25, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash or why the truck left the highway.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
This crash on Interstate 80, where a semi-truck left the roadway and overturned, raises important questions about why the truck veered off the highway and whether anything could have been done to prevent the fatal outcome. When a commercial truck loses control in this way, it’s essential to thoroughly examine the contributing factors.
The first question is why the truck left the highway. Was the driver distracted, fatigued or impaired? Commercial truck drivers are required to adhere to strict hours-of-service regulations to prevent fatigue, and their fitness to drive is critical. Investigators will likely review the driver’s logs, cell phone records and any available footage to understand the driver’s condition and actions before the crash.
Another factor to consider is whether the truck experienced a mechanical failure, such as issues with steering, brakes or tires. Semi-trucks require rigorous maintenance, and any failure in critical systems can make it difficult for the driver to maintain control. A detailed inspection of the truck will help determine if mechanical issues played a role.
The absence of seatbelt use by the driver is also significant. While it’s unclear whether wearing a seatbelt would have changed the outcome of the crash, seatbelts are a vital safety measure for protecting drivers in rollover situations. This highlights the importance of adherence to seatbelt use policies, particularly for commercial drivers who face unique risks due to the size and weight of their vehicles.
Lastly, road conditions and visibility at the time of the crash should be examined. Early-morning hours can present challenges, such as low visibility due to darkness, fog or other environmental factors. Investigators will need to assess whether any such conditions contributed to the truck leaving the roadway.
For those affected by this crash, understanding what caused the truck to veer off the highway is essential. A thorough investigation will provide clarity about whether the driver’s actions, the truck’s condition or external factors played a role.