Phelps County, MO — November 16, 2024, a man was killed and a woman was injured in a single-vehicle truck accident at around 2:00 a.m. on I.H. 44.
According to authorities, a 54-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman were traveling in a westbound Freightliner Cascadia 18-wheeler on Interstate 44 in the vicinity west of St. James 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 freeway before crashing into a guardrail and striking a concrete bridge. The impact apparently led to the vehicle becoming airborne, coming to a stop down an embankment.
The man suffered fatal injuries over the course of the accident and was declared deceased at the scene. The woman sustained severe injuries, as well, according to reports; she was flown to an area medical facility in order to receive immediate 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
Single-vehicle accidents involving commercial trucks, like this one, often raise critical questions about how and why the truck left its lane of travel. While it might seem straightforward to attribute the crash to driver error, in my experience, incidents like these often involve additional factors that require careful investigation to uncover the full story.
A primary area of focus should be the condition of the truck itself. Mechanical issues such as brake failure, steering malfunctions, or tire blowouts can make it nearly impossible for a driver to maintain control. Investigators should examine the truck’s maintenance records to determine whether it was being properly serviced. If a mechanical failure contributed to the crash, responsibility could extend to the trucking company or a third-party maintenance provider.
Another important factor to consider is the role of the driver’s condition. Fatigue, distraction, or impairment are common causes of crashes where vehicles veer out of their lanes. Commercial drivers are required to follow strict Hours of Service regulations to prevent fatigue-related accidents, and any violation of these rules could indicate negligence on the part of the driver or their employer. Additionally, reviewing onboard event recorders, such as the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD), could provide critical insights into the moments leading up to the crash.
Lastly, it’s essential to evaluate the trucking company’s role in this incident. Beyond maintaining the vehicle, companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are adequately trained and prepared to handle emergency situations. If a lack of proper training or unsafe scheduling practices contributed to the crash, the company could share responsibility for what occurred.
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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