Jackson, MS — February 20, 2025, One person was injured following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred on Thursday on Interstate 55.

An investigation is underway into a car accident that left one person injured on Thursday, February 20th. According to official reports, an 18-wheeler was travelling on Interstate 55 near Interstate 20 when for unknown reasons the truck left the roadway and rolling down a hill before stopping.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the driver had sustained serious injuries and transported them to the hospital for treatment. At this time there has been no further information released about the accident, including the status of the driver's injuries, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the driver and their family get the answers they need. A crash involving an 18-wheeler is always serious, especially when the truck leaves the roadway and overturns. While many might assume that driver error played a role, experience has taught me that large truck crashes are often more complex than they first appear. To fully understand what happened, three critical questions must be addressed.

First, did authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Given the size and weight of an 18-wheeler, even small external factors can lead to a serious crash. Did investigators examine whether road conditions, weather, or another vehicle played a role in the truck leaving the roadway? Were skid marks analyzed, and was the truck’s load inspected to determine if improper weight distribution may have contributed? Without a detailed investigation, important details could be overlooked.

Second, has anyone considered whether a mechanical failure or vehicle defect played a role? Large trucks rely on complex braking, steering, and suspension systems to maintain control. If the truck experienced a brake failure, a tire blowout, or an issue with its steering system, the driver may have been unable to prevent the crash. Additionally, given the wear and tear these vehicles endure, improper maintenance can also be a factor. Unfortunately, unless someone pushes for a forensic inspection, potential mechanical failures may go unnoticed.

Third, has all available electronic data related to the crash been collected? Most commercial trucks are equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs) that store critical information about speed, braking, and engine performance leading up to the crash. Many trucking companies also use onboard telematics systems that can provide further insight into what happened. If investigators don’t act quickly to secure this data, it may be lost or overwritten, making it much harder to determine the true cause of the crash.

At the end of the day, crashes like this don’t just impact the driver—they affect families, coworkers, and the broader community. Answering these three key questions is the best way to ensure that all possibilities are explored, whether the cause was mechanical failure, road conditions, or something else entirely. Those affected deserve a full and fair investigation so they can move forward with clarity.