A 42-year-old man lost his life Tuesday morning following a crash between a Nissan Altima and a Volvo semi-truck on I-24 West near Old Hickory Boulevard in Nashville. According to police, the semi was traveling in the right lane and reportedly moved left to avoid a disabled vehicle on the shoulder. It then attempted to merge back into the right lane while the Altima allegedly attempted to pass on the right and struck the trailer’s tires, causing the vehicle to leave the road and roll into a tree line. The front-seat passenger in the Altima was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other occupants were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Crashes like this raise important questions about how vehicles—especially large trucks—are maneuvering around unexpected hazards. In my experience, a proper investigation often reveals critical details about how vehicles were positioned and whether everyone on the road was taking appropriate precautions.
Was the Disabled Vehicle Positioned Safely?
One factor investigators will likely evaluate is the placement of the disabled vehicle that initially caused the truck to change lanes. Was the vehicle entirely on the shoulder, or was any part of it extending into a traffic lane? Was it using hazard lights? The answers to these questions could help determine whether the truck’s lane change was necessary and executed with reasonable care.
Was the Semi-Truck Maneuver Executed Safely?
While the truck may have been reacting to a hazard, it's important to consider whether the maneuver back into the right lane was done with proper awareness of surrounding vehicles. A semi-truck has significant blind spots, and merging into a lane without accounting for faster-moving cars can lead to dangerous situations. Investigators will likely want to review dash camera footage, if available, and examine whether the truck signaled properly and allowed enough time for the lane change. They might also want to review the driver’s cell phone data and driving logs to rule out any distraction or fatigue.
What Evidence Should Be Examined?
Authorities should collect Engine Control Module (ECM) data from the semi-truck to determine speed, braking, and steering inputs. Investigators will also want to review any nearby traffic camera footage or witness statements that might shed light on how the vehicles interacted. Examining the exact positioning of the disabled vehicle could also clarify whether it was a contributing factor in the crash.
The Importance of a Full Investigation
When a commercial vehicle is involved in a fatal crash, it's essential that every detail is examined. In my experience, what initially seems straightforward can become much clearer once investigators review all the available evidence—especially when lane changes, disabled vehicles, and timing all come into play. A complete investigation is the only way to fully understand what happened and why.