Palermo, ND — March 16, 2025, One person was killed following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 12:30 P.M. on 73rd Ave.

An investigation is underway following an 18-wheeler accident that left one person dead during the early-morning hours of March 16th. According to official reports, an 18-wheeler was travelling on 73rd Avenue in the southbound lanes, when for unknown reasons the truck lost control as it was approaching a curve near 66th Street NW, causing it to go off road where it entered a ditch and overturned.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the driver had sustained fatal injuries and they were pronounced deceased. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including what caused the semi to lose control, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope those affected receive the answers they need. While it may seem like a straightforward case of an 18-wheeler losing control, my experience has shown that commercial truck accidents often have underlying factors that aren’t immediately obvious. Before drawing any conclusions, it’s essential to ask three key questions to ensure a full and thorough investigation.

The first question is whether authorities conducted a comprehensive investigation. Law enforcement officers typically document the scene, take witness statements, and assess visible evidence, but the depth of these investigations can vary. Given that the truck lost control while approaching a curve, investigators should consider whether road conditions, signage, or visibility played a role. Additionally, the truck’s speed and whether the driver had enough time to react to the curve should be examined, especially since commercial trucks require more distance to slow down and navigate turns safely.

The second question—one that is often overlooked—is whether a mechanical defect contributed to the crash. Large commercial vehicles rely on complex braking, steering, and suspension systems to maintain control. If a failure in any of these systems occurred—such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or stability control failures—it could have contributed to the loss of control. Additionally, if cargo was improperly loaded or shifted during the turn, that could have made the truck unstable, increasing the risk of a rollover. However, identifying these issues requires a forensic examination of the truck, and if it is not preserved, key evidence may be lost before it can be properly analyzed.

The third question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. Most 18-wheelers are equipped with an electronic control module (ECM), which records crucial information such as speed, braking activity, and steering input leading up to the crash. Additionally, dashcam footage, GPS tracking, and data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) could provide insight into the driver’s actions before the crash. If another vehicle was in the area, its event data recorder (EDR) might also contain useful information. Since electronic data can be lost or overwritten if not secured quickly, investigators must act fast to preserve this critical evidence.

At the end of the day, answering these three questions isn’t just about understanding how this crash happened—it’s about ensuring that the driver’s loved ones have access to the full truth. Serious crashes leave families searching for clarity, and the least we can do as a community is make sure that every possible explanation is explored before reaching any conclusions.