Amity, IN — January 13, 2025, a man was injured in an accident involving ice from an 18-wheeler just before 12:45 p.m. along Interstate Highway 65.

According to authorities, a 38-year-old man was traveling in a northbound truck on I.H. 65 in the vicinity between S.H. 44 (King Street) and S.H. 252 when the accident took place.

Man Injured in Truck Ice Accident on I.H. 65 near Amity, IN

Officials indicate that a piece of glass flew off of an 18-wheeler and crashed through the windshield of the southbound truck. The man who had been behind the wheel suffered minor injuries from the impact, according to reports; he was transported to an area medical facility in order to receive treatment.

Pictures of the scene which have been published in the news depict the truck with the driver’s side of the windshield smashed in. There is also snow on the ground beside the roads, though roadways appear dry. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When incidents like this one occur, people often assume they are freak accidents—unforeseeable and unavoidable. However, in my experience handling cases involving commercial vehicles, such situations often reveal preventable issues that require deeper scrutiny.

The most pressing question is why debris, reportedly ice, fell from the 18-wheeler in the first place. It’s possible the ice formed on the trailer or cab of the truck during a previous stop or while the vehicle was parked overnight. Federal and state regulations typically require commercial drivers to ensure their vehicles are safe for the road, which includes checking for and removing hazards like ice or debris. Did the driver of this 18-wheeler perform a proper pre-trip inspection? If they neglected to check or address ice accumulation, they may bear responsibility for this accident.

The role of the trucking company also warrants careful examination. Companies are responsible for ensuring their trucks are properly maintained and their drivers adequately trained to identify and mitigate potential hazards. Was the driver encouraged or given enough time to conduct safety checks, especially in winter conditions? Did the company equip its fleet with tools or protocols to prevent ice accumulation on trailers, such as defrosting systems or heated storage?

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain critical evidence, it’s essential to examine every factor to ensure those impacted by the incident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.

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