Callaway County, MO — January 28, 2025, One person was injured following a 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 5:39 A.M. on I-70.

An investigation is underway following an 18-wheeler accident that left one person injured during the morning hours of January 28th. According to official reports, a Nissan Frontier was traveling on I-70 in the eastbound lanes when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and struck an 18-wheeler on the back of its trailer.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the operator of the Nissan had sustained serious injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time it remains unknown what caused the vehicle to lose control as well as the status of the driver, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

An investigation is underway following a crash involving an 18-wheeler that left one person seriously injured on the morning of January 28th. According to reports, a Nissan Frontier traveling eastbound on I-70 lost control and collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer. First responders arrived on the scene and transported the injured driver to the hospital for treatment. At this time, officials have not provided further details on what may have led to the crash.

When a serious accident like this occurs, it’s critical to ensure that every possible contributing factor is examined. While initial reports describe the sequence of events, they don’t always explain why the crash happened. To get a full understanding of the situation, three key questions need to be asked.

The first question is whether authorities conducted a thorough investigation. Law enforcement officers responding to a crash typically document the scene, but the level of detail in their reports can vary. Key factors such as road conditions, visibility, and any potential hazards should be carefully analyzed. In collisions involving commercial vehicles, it’s also important to ensure that the trucking company’s records—including maintenance logs and driver hours—are reviewed to determine whether any regulatory violations played a role.

The second question is whether a vehicle defect may have contributed to the crash. Mechanical failures, such as sudden brake issues, steering malfunctions, or even tire blowouts, could cause a vehicle to lose control. These types of failures often go undiagnosed unless a forensic examination of the vehicle is performed. If a defect played a role, it’s critical that the vehicle is preserved for further inspection before any potential evidence is lost.

The third question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. Modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders that capture information such as speed, braking, and steering inputs just before a crash. Additionally, the 18-wheeler’s onboard telematics system may provide valuable insight into the truck’s speed, braking, and movements at the time of impact. Cell phone records and any available dashcam or surveillance footage could also provide key details. However, this information must be retrieved quickly before it is lost or overwritten.

At the end of the day, determining what led to this crash is crucial—not just for the injured driver, but for anyone who shares the road with large commercial vehicles. Ensuring that all aspects of the investigation are thoroughly examined is the best way to uncover the truth and provide those affected with the answers they deserve.