Emergency crews responded to a serious crash on Interstate 55 in Copiah County involving a pickup truck and an 18-wheeler. The collision occurred near the 61-mile marker on the northbound side of the highway. The driver of the pickup was flown to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for treatment. At this time, the extent of their injuries has not been released. The driver of the semi-truck was not hurt. Authorities with the Mississippi Highway Patrol are currently investigating what may have caused the wreck.
Whenever I hear about a crash like this involving a large commercial vehicle, I think about the range of possible factors that need to be carefully reviewed to understand how and why the collision happened.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Played a Role?
Long hours on the road can take a toll on any driver, but for those behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler, staying alert is critical. If the semi-truck driver was inattentive, fatigued, or otherwise distracted, that could have contributed to the crash. Reviewing hours-of-service logs, GPS movement data, and dashcam footage may help determine whether the truck driver was operating within safe limits and paying full attention to the road.
Should Investigators Consider Mechanical Issues?
When a commercial truck is involved in a collision, mechanical failure is always a possibility. Brake malfunctions, steering problems, or tire blowouts could prevent a driver from reacting in time. Investigators may need to inspect the truck’s maintenance records and assess whether a component failure contributed to the crash. It’s especially important to determine whether the vehicle was in proper working condition when it entered the highway that day.
What Kinds of Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
To understand what happened, investigators should collect vehicle data from the semi’s Engine Control Module (ECM), which can show speed, braking, and throttle inputs. Eyewitness statements, traffic camera footage, and physical evidence from the crash scene will also be important. A full reconstruction may be necessary to determine how the vehicles collided and whether either driver had the opportunity to avoid the impact.
Why a Complete Investigation Matters
Accidents involving 18-wheelers often leave passenger vehicle occupants with the most severe injuries. That’s why it’s so important to determine whether the crash was the result of human error, mechanical failure, or something else entirely. A thorough investigation can help ensure accountability and provide answers to those affected.