A crash on I-40 near Lonoke, Arkansas, resulted in the death of 51-year-old Sherry Meadows early Friday morning. According to reports, Meadows was attempting to navigate around a Kenworth semi-truck that was parked on the inside shoulder and partially blocking the lane when another tractor-trailer struck her Toyota Camry and the parked truck. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Whenever I hear about a crash like this, I think about the investigative steps needed to understand the cause. In this case, I wonder what role the parked semi-truck played and what caused the moving truck driver to crash.
Why Was the Parked Semi-Truck Obstructing the Lane?
One key factor in this crash is the placement of the unoccupied Kenworth truck. While semi-trucks may need to stop in emergencies, parking in a way that obstructs an active lane can create serious dangers, especially on high-speed highways like I-40. Investigators should determine why the truck was left in that position—was it a mechanical failure, driver error, or another issue? They should also assess whether the truck had proper hazard lights or warning devices to alert other drivers of its presence.
What Caused the Moving Semi-Truck to Crash Into the Toyota?
Another critical question is why the second tractor-trailer crashed. Investigators should examine whether the truck was following too closely, if the driver was distracted, or if excessive speed played a role. The semi-truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) data could provide key details about the driver’s speed and braking activity in the moments before the crash.
Types of Evidence That Should Be Collected
A thorough investigation should include an inspection of the parked truck to determine if it was properly marked. If not, they should also investigate why it was left in that position. Additionally, ECM data from the moving semi-truck can help establish how the crash happened. Any available dashcam footage or nearby traffic cameras could also provide further information. Investigators may also want to look at the truck driver’s cell phone data to see if potential distraction was a factor.
Why These Questions Are Important in This Accident
Crashes involving parked semi-trucks on interstates raise serious questions about why they were there in the first place. In my experience as a truck accident attorney, ensuring a complete investigation helps uncover all of the factors that contributed to the crash. Answering these questions is critical to providing clarity for those affected.