Harris Cunty, TX — January 14, 2025, John Attleson II was injured following a truck accident shortly after 2:30 p.m. along I.H. 610, North Loop East Freeway.

According to authorities, 36-year-old John Attleson II was traveling in a westbound Jeep Truck on Interstate Highway 610 near Homestead Road when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a westbound Freightliner Cascadia with a trailer in tow failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. A collision subsequently followed between the Cascadia and the Jeep Truck. Attleson suffered reportedly serious injuries over the course of the accident. It doesn't appear that anyone else was hurt. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

he driver simply made a mistake or if something more concerning was at play. In my experience, lane departure accidents often point to underlying issues that aren’t immediately apparent from the crash scene alone.

One possibility is driver distraction. Modern commercial trucks are equipped with in-cab technology like GPS, dispatch systems, and electronic logging devices (ELDs), all of which can divert a driver’s attention. Investigators should examine dashcam footage and phone records to determine whether the driver was focused on the road or engaged in something else at the time of the crash.

Fatigue is another common factor in lane departure crashes. Federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road, but those rules are only effective if they’re followed. Investigators need to review the driver’s ELD records to confirm whether they were within legal driving limits or had been behind the wheel for too long. A drowsy driver struggling to stay alert is just as dangerous as a distracted one.

Beyond the driver’s actions, the trucking company’s role deserves scrutiny. Was the driver properly trained on defensive driving and lane safety? Did the company impose tight schedules that encouraged risky driving? If a company prioritizes efficiency over safety, its drivers may feel pressured to push their limits, increasing the likelihood of mistakes. Examining hiring practices, training protocols, and past safety violations can reveal whether this crash was an isolated event or part of a larger problem.

It’s also worth considering whether mechanical failure played a role. A tire blowout, brake failure, or steering issue could have caused the truck to veer out of its lane. Reviewing maintenance logs and inspection records will help determine whether the vehicle was in safe working condition when the crash happened.

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain critical evidence, it’s essential to examine every factor to ensure those impacted by the incident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.