Early Monday morning, a two-vehicle collision involving a commercial truck caused significant delays on Interstate 10 in Harrison County. The Mississippi Highway Patrol reported that the crash occurred in the eastbound lanes near mile marker 21. Harrison County Fire Rescue responded to the scene and extinguished a fire in a pickup truck that had overturned as a result of the crash. One person was injured and taken for treatment but is expected to survive. So far, there is no information on the potential cause of the accident.
In crashes like this involving a commercial vehicle, I usually have several questions about the potential factors that contributed to the collision. In my experience, a proper investigation often uncovers details—like fatigue or equipment issues—that can be critical to understanding what went wrong and why.
Could Fatigue or Distraction Have Played a Role?
At highway speeds during early morning hours, it’s worth asking whether someone might have been too tired to operate a vehicle, or possibly distracted one way or another. Investigators should review the commercial driver's log books to confirm hours of service compliance, and also look at any available dash cam or phone data to rule out the use of electronic devices just before the crash.
Are Mechanical Issues a Potential Factor?
Another important factor is whether a vehicle had any mechanical malfunctions or defects that contributed to the crash. Problems with brakes, tires, or steering components could prevent a driver from responding appropriately in an emergency. Investigators should inspect the trucks’ maintenance records and mechanical systems to ensure the vehicles were in roadworthy condition.
What Kinds of Evidence Should Be Examined?
To understand the cause of the crash, investigators should review dashcam footage, nearby surveillance video, and eyewitness accounts. The Engine Control Module (ECM) in the commercial truck can also provide crucial data on speed, braking, and driver inputs leading up to the crash. Additionally, skid marks, debris patterns, and the final resting positions of the vehicles could help reconstruct what happened.
Why a Thorough Investigation Is Important
Whatever the initial fact pattern of a serious accident might look like, I’m always reminded how important it is to look closer and find out exactly how and why it happened. In my experience, that goes double for commercial vehicle crashes which often involve layers of responsibility that aren’t immediately obvious. Only through a detailed investigation can those affected get answers about what went wrong.