Oak Grove, MO — January 8, 2025, a woman was injured in a truck accident at about 4:30 p.m. on eastbound Interstate 70.
Authorities said a 2010 Cadillac was trying to pass a 2015 Peterbilt semi-truck when the truck changed lanes, hitting the car. The collision caused the Cadillac to turn over after it was forced off the road.
The driver, a 69-year-old woman whose name has not been released at this point, suffered minor injuries in the crash, according to authorities. The truck driver was not injured.
No further information about the crash at mile marker 29 has been released at this time.
The accident is still being investigated.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I hear about a crash like this one, the key question is whether the truck driver was paying attention and properly checked his surroundings before moving over. Lane-change accidents involving large trucks often highlight the challenges these vehicles present, both in terms of their size and the responsibility their operators bear to ensure safe maneuvering.
The first issue investigators should examine is whether the truck driver executed the lane change safely and legally. Semi-trucks have significant blind spots, and if the driver failed to check them adequately or ignored signals from the Cadillac, that would point to negligence. Investigators should review any available evidence, such as dashcam footage or eyewitness accounts, to determine whether the truck driver used turn signals and allowed sufficient time for surrounding traffic to adjust.
Another consideration is whether external factors contributed to the collision. Was the roadway clearly marked, allowing both drivers to understand their respective positions? Were there any conditions — such as poor visibility, heavy traffic or construction zones — that might have increased the risk of a collision? These are all important questions that could provide additional context for what happened.
Lastly, the role of the trucking company warrants scrutiny. Did the company properly train the truck driver to handle lane changes safely and to remain vigilant for smaller vehicles? In my experience, inadequate training or unrealistic schedules that pressure drivers to rush often contribute to poor decision-making on the road.
While it’s fortunate that the injuries reported were minor, this crash still serves as a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong when large trucks and smaller vehicles share the road. Lane-change accidents, especially those involving overturned vehicles, underscore the importance of vigilance, proper training and adherence to traffic laws by all drivers. My hope is that the investigation will fully explore these factors, providing a clear understanding of what went wrong and how similar incidents can be prevented.
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