Early Tuesday morning, 26-year-old Justyn Jack Jenkins was killed when his Hyundai Kona was struck by a semi-truck on I-77 near Exit 30 between Mooresville and Davidson. According to the Highway Patrol, Jenkins’ vehicle was sitting sideways in the southbound lanes with its lights off following a prior crash when it was hit by a Freightliner. The driver of the semi was not injured.
Whenever I hear about a crash involving a semi-truck and a vehicle left disabled in the roadway, I think about how important it is to examine every element that contributed to the second collision. In my experience, cases like this often come down to questions about driver attentiveness, vehicle condition, and whether the situation could have been avoided with better awareness or equipment.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Been a Factor for the Truck Driver?
One of the first things I want to know is whether the truck driver had enough awareness to respond to the vehicle ahead. It’s not unusual for commercial drivers to be on the road for long hours, especially during overnight hauls. If fatigue or distraction were involved, even a few seconds of delayed reaction could make the difference between a near miss and a fatal impact.
To answer that, investigators will likely look at the driver’s hours-of-service logs, dash cam footage, and cell phone records. Even if the Hyundai’s lights were off, a fully attentive driver may have noticed the vehicle or at least attempted to avoid it. That’s not a guarantee—but it’s a possibility that needs to be examined carefully.
Could Mechanical Issues Have Played a Role?
Another important factor to consider is whether the semi-truck involved in the collision was in proper working order. Mechanical failures, particularly involving a truck’s lighting system or brakes, can reduce a driver’s ability to avoid obstacles in the roadway—especially at night. In this case, it’s essential to verify whether the truck’s headlights and marker lights were fully operational at the time of the crash.
If the truck’s lights were dim, misaligned, or not functioning, that could have made it even harder to see the disabled Hyundai. Investigators should also examine brake performance, tire condition, and whether any prior maintenance issues were documented. These kinds of problems don’t always show up in initial crash reports, but they can play a crucial role in what ultimately caused or contributed to a fatal wreck.
What Types of Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
In serious crashes involving 18-wheelers, there’s often more evidence available than people realize. The truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) can show whether the driver applied the brakes, how fast the truck was going, and other important data from just before the crash. Investigators should also examine whether the semi-truck’s headlights and marker lights were fully operational.
Beyond the ECM, things like skid marks, vehicle positioning, and debris patterns can help reconstruct what happened and determine if there was any chance the driver could have avoided hitting the Hyundai.
Why a Thorough Investigation Is Necessary
Crashes involving commercial vehicles and stopped or disabled passenger cars often raise complicated questions. In this case, it’s important to understand how the truck driver responded, whether the vehicle was in proper working order, and what factors contributed to the impact. In my experience, the only way to get clear answers is through a detailed investigation that looks at every element of the crash.