1 Injured in 18-Wheeler Accident on US 65 in Saline County, MO

Saline County, MO — October 30, 2024, One person was injured following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 9:55 A.M. on US 65.

An investigation is underway following an 18-wheeler accident that left one person injured during the morning hours of October 30th. According to official reports, an 18-wheeler was traveling on US 65 in the northbound lanes when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and left the roadway where it struck a sign and overturned.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the driver 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

When an 18-wheeler crashes, people often assume that fatigue or road conditions are to blame. However, my experience investigating truck accidents has shown that these incidents are often far more complex than they first appear. Before reaching any conclusions, it’s important to ensure that the investigation answers three key questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Truck accidents require specialized accident reconstruction, but not all investigators have the resources or training to analyze them fully. Key questions include: Was the truck’s load properly secured, or did a shifting cargo contribute to the loss of control? Were there any road hazards—such as a sudden change in elevation, debris, or slick pavement—that factored into the crash? Did investigators obtain statements from any witnesses or other motorists who may have observed the incident? Without a comprehensive review, critical details may go unnoticed.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? Commercial trucks are highly complex machines that require constant maintenance, and mechanical failures are a leading cause of crashes. Did the truck suffer a brake failure, steering issue, or tire blowout that caused the driver to lose control? Was there an issue with the truck’s suspension that made it more prone to tipping over? Trucking companies are required to keep maintenance records, but unless someone requests those records and conducts a thorough mechanical inspection of the vehicle, any potential defects may go undetected.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? Most commercial trucks are equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs) that record crucial data such as speed, braking, and steering input leading up to a crash. Additionally, many trucks have onboard dash cameras or GPS tracking that can provide further insight into what happened. Traffic cameras or surveillance footage from nearby businesses may also contain valuable evidence. However, this information isn’t preserved indefinitely—ECM data can be overwritten, surveillance footage is often deleted within days, and the truck itself may be quickly repaired or removed from service. Ensuring that this evidence is secured quickly is critical to understanding what really happened.

At the end of the day, truck accidents are rarely simple, and those injured in this crash deserve real answers. Given the size and weight of commercial vehicles, even a momentary loss of control can have devastating consequences. The least we can do as a community is ensure that every possible factor is examined so that those affected aren’t left with unanswered questions.