Gary, IN — November 11, 2024, one person was killed following a truck accident at about 1:00 p.m. along Interstate Highway 80.
According to authorities, an 18-wheeler hauling two trailers was parked and vacant on the side of the westbound lanes of I.H. 80 in the vicinity of the Grant Street exit when the accident took place.
The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a westbound Ford Explorer failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. It reportedly veered to the side and collided with one of the 18-wheeler’s trailers. It came to a stop in a ditch on the right-hand side of the roadway.
The person who had been behind the wheel of the Ford suffered fatal injuries as a result of the wreck and was declared deceased at the scene. No other injuries have been reported. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When accidents like this happen, it’s easy to assume they’re the result of a simple mistake or lapse in judgment. However, in my experience, crashes involving parked 18-wheelers on the highway shoulder often require a closer look. Even when the truck itself isn’t moving, these situations bring up important questions about visibility, placement, and whether the vehicle’s emergency signals or lights were functioning properly.
Whenever a commercial truck is involved in a crash, the trucking company also has a role to play in the investigation. Companies are responsible for ensuring that their trucks are in good working order and equipped with the necessary safety equipment. If the truck had to pull over because of a mechanical problem, for example, it’s worth asking whether the issue could have been prevented with better maintenance. Similarly, companies must train drivers on proper roadside safety protocols, which include setting out reflective triangles or flares in cases where a truck is forced to stop on a busy roadway. If the trucking company failed to meet these responsibilities, it could be partially accountable for any harm that results.
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.
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