A fatal crash involving a semi-truck and a pickup truck occurred at 1:30 a.m. Thursday morning on I-10 West near the Highway 928 overpass in Ascension Parish. According to Louisiana State Police, 41-year-old Dwayne Jackson of New Orleans was driving a 2006 Nissan Titan when it collided with the rear of a 2025 Freightliner tractor-trailer. The Freightliner was reportedly attempting to enter the roadway from the right shoulder at the time of impact. Jackson was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured, and authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.
Whenever I hear about a crash like this, I think about whether the truck driver was merging safely and whether the pickup driver had enough time to react. When a large commercial vehicle re-enters a highway, there’s always the risk that slow acceleration or improper merging technique could create a dangerous situation for approaching drivers. The question in this case is whether the truck driver took all necessary precautions before pulling into the roadway.
Was the Semi Merging Safely?
One key question is whether the truck driver executed a safe and legal reentry from the shoulder. Merging a tractor-trailer onto a highway requires caution, especially at night when visibility is limited. Investigators will likely examine whether the truck was using proper signals and allowing enough time and space to merge safely into traffic. If the truck was moving too slowly or failed to yield to approaching vehicles, it could be a factor in the accident.
What Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
To get a full picture of what happened, authorities will likely analyze the semi-truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) data, which can show its speed, braking, and acceleration before impact. Investigators may also look at dashcam footage, nearby traffic cameras, and skid marks at the scene to determine whether Jackson had enough time to react. Additionally, reviewing the truck driver's compliance with hours-of-service regulations, cell phone records, and recent inspections could help rule out fatigue, distraction, or maintenance issues as factors.
Why Questions Matter in a Case Like This
Semi-truck crashes can be complex, and determining what led to this collision is essential for understanding what went wrong. In my experience as a truck accident attorney, these investigations often reveal factors that aren’t immediately obvious, but they are critical in ensuring accountability and providing answers to those affected.