Charlotte, NC — November 15, 2024, two people were injured in a truck accident shortly after 8:45 p.m. along Interstate Highway 85.
According to authorities, an 18-wheeler was traveling northbound on I.H. 85 in the vicinity of Mallard Creek Church Road when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the truck failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. It reportedly veered out of the active lanes of the interstate and into the median where it struck several utility poles, knocking them to the ground. Several other vehicles that had been traveling on the interstate collided with the downed poles, though it is not clear how many.
Two people who had been involved in the wreck suffered apparently serious injuries, though only one of them was considered critical, according to reports. They were each transported to local medical facilities by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identities of the victims—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Accidents like this one, where a truck veers off the road and causes a chain reaction, often raise questions about why the truck left its lane in the first place. While it’s easy to assume driver error, in my experience, crashes involving large trucks often have multiple contributing factors that require a thorough investigation.
One critical area to examine is the truck driver’s condition at the time of the crash. Was the driver distracted, fatigued, or impaired? Each of these factors is a common cause of lane departures and should be closely scrutinized. Additionally, it’s essential to determine whether the driver was adhering to federal Hours of Service regulations, which are designed to prevent fatigue-related accidents. If the driver exceeded allowable hours or failed to take required breaks, the trucking company may share responsibility for the crash.
Lastly, another important factor to investigate is whether mechanical issues played a role. Large commercial vehicles require constant maintenance to ensure safe operation. Problems with steering, tires, or brakes could make it difficult for a driver to keep the truck in its lane, and if a mechanical failure contributed to the crash, responsibility may extend to the trucking company or even a maintenance provider.
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 consider every factor to ensure that those impacted by the accident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.