Joplin, MO — May 31, 2025, three people were injured due to a truck accident shortly after 6:45 p.m. along Rangeline Road.
According to authorities, an SUV was traveling southbound on Rangeline Road and was attempting a left turn to head east on Newman when the accident took place.
Preliminary reports state that, for as yet unknown reasons, the side of the SUV was struck by the front-end a northbound 18-wheeler. Three people who had been involved the wreck sustained injuries; of those three, one person was reportedly in serious condition. They were each transported to local medical facilities by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment.
Reports have not stated which vehicle had the right of way at the time of the wreck. 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
When an SUV gets T-boned by the front end of an 18-wheeler, most people immediately want to know: Who had the right of way? That’s the central question here—and it’s one the current reports haven’t answered yet.
According to what’s been released, the SUV was turning left from Rangeline Road onto Newman Road in Joplin. The 18-wheeler was heading north on Rangeline when it struck the side of the turning SUV. That basic outline gives us the shape of the collision, but not the substance. Right now, it’s not clear whether the SUV turned in front of the truck or whether the truck was speeding or otherwise failed to yield. Those details matter, and without them, there’s no way to draw conclusions about fault.
What I can say is that when I’ve handled similar cases, the answer often comes from two key areas: evidence from the truck itself, and visibility or timing at the intersection. Engine control module (ECM) data can show the truck’s speed, braking activity, and whether the driver tried to slow down before impact. Dash cams—if installed—can reveal whether the driver was paying attention or distracted, especially since this happened at an intersection, where extra caution is expected.
We also have to ask whether the truck had a clear view of the SUV attempting the turn, or if something obstructed the driver’s line of sight. On the other hand, if the SUV misjudged the truck’s distance or speed, that could have set this chain of events in motion. Until those facts are nailed down, all we’re left with are possibilities.
And then there’s a broader but equally important point: Was the truck driver adequately trained to navigate city streets like Rangeline Road, where intersections come quickly and traffic is mixed? I’ve seen cases where truckers were far more comfortable on highways than in town, especially when they were unfamiliar with local roads. If the company put a driver out there without proper route planning or local knowledge, that’s something an investigation should bring to light.
At the end of the day, three people were hurt in a crash that might have been preventable. Figuring out how it happened will require more than a police report—it’s going to take a full review of vehicle data, driver behavior, and company practices.
Key Takeaways:
- The crash happened during a left-turn maneuver, but we don’t yet know which driver had the right of way.
- ECM and dash cam data from the 18-wheeler can clarify vehicle speed, braking, and driver awareness.
- Visibility, timing, and local traffic patterns at the intersection are critical factors to examine.
- Trucking company practices—like route planning and driver training—may also play a role.
- A thorough, evidence-based investigation is needed to determine who should be held accountable.
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