UPDATE (December 2, 2024): According to recent reports which have been released, the person who had been behind the wheel of this hit-and-run truck has been located and placed under arrest. Authorities have apparently recommended charges of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death against the 60-year-old Orlando man. The investigation remains ongoing.
Franklin County, MO — November 25, 2024, a pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run truck accident at about 1:30 p.m. along Interstate Highway 44.
According to authorities, two cars—a Ford F-250 and a Chevrolet HHR—were parked no the shoulder of the eastbound lanes of I.H. 44 in the vicinity of Elmont Road when the accident took place.
The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, an eastbound 18-wheeler hauling a trailer—possibly marked with “ego” on the side—collided with the pedestrian and also side-swiped both of the parked vehicles before allegedly fleeing the scene, the person(s) inside failing to stop and render aid of any sort to the victim.
The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries as a result of the wreck. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the pedestrian—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Incidents involving hit-and-run drivers are particularly troubling, as they leave victims and their families grappling not only with the physical and emotional aftermath but also with unanswered questions about accountability. In my experience, crashes like this require thorough investigation to piece together the chain of events and identify those responsible.
A primary focus of the investigation should be on the 18-wheeler allegedly involved in the collision. Commercial trucks are equipped with numerous systems that could aid in identifying the vehicle and its driver. Event recorders, GPS data, and dashcam footage, if present, could provide invaluable evidence about the truck’s movements at the time of the crash. Additionally, the reported markings on the truck’s trailer may offer a lead to track down the trucking company or owner of the vehicle.
It is also crucial to examine the circumstances leading up to the crash. Investigators should determine why the pedestrian was near the parked cars on the shoulder and whether any actions by the truck driver—such as inattention, distraction, or fatigue—contributed to the collision. While it’s clear that failing to stop after the incident was a serious violation, understanding what caused the crash in the first place is equally important.
The trucking company, if identified, should also come under scrutiny. Employers in the commercial transportation industry bear significant responsibility for the actions of their drivers. If poor hiring practices, inadequate training, or pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines contributed to the crash or the driver’s decision to flee, the company could share liability for the incident.
Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the accident. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain critical evidence, it’s essential to examine every factor to ensure those impacted by the incident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.
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