Fort Smith, AR — June 16, 2025, at least one person was hurt due to a truck accident at some point in the morning along Interstate Highway 40.

According to authorities, the accident took place in I.H. 40 in the vicinity north of Fort Smith, apparently close to the Arkansas Weight Station.

Details surrounding the accident remain scarce. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision took place between a pickup truck and an 18-wheeler. Preliminary reports state that there was at least one person injured due to the wreck, though it is unclear how severe those injuries were. Additional information pertaining to this incident—including the identity(s) of the victim(s)—is not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a pickup truck and an 18-wheeler collide on a major interstate like I-40, the key question isn’t just that it happened—it’s how it happened. Early reports say the crash occurred in the morning hours, but give no clear explanation for what led to the collision or how each vehicle was positioned at the time. Without that information, we’re left with more questions than answers.

What Could Cause a Crash Like This on Open Interstate?

At highway speeds, even a small misjudgment—like drifting in a lane, braking suddenly, or failing to check a blind spot—can have serious consequences. What’s missing right now are basic facts:

• Which vehicle initiated contact?
• Was this a rear-end, sideswipe, or merging conflict?
• Were either of the drivers distracted or fatigued?

Answering these questions takes more than surface-level reporting. Investigators need ECM data from the 18-wheeler to determine speed, braking, and throttle input. Dash cams, if available, can show lane positioning and reaction time. Skid marks and vehicle damage can reveal impact angles and point of contact. I’ve handled cases where this type of evidence made it clear that what looked like a simple accident was actually a failure to maintain lane—or a driver reacting too late to a developing hazard.

Injury Doesn’t Equal Accountability—But It Signals Impact

At least one person was reportedly hurt, though we don’t yet know how severely. Even without detailed medical information, the presence of injury adds urgency to understanding what went wrong. Was the crash avoidable? Did either driver violate basic highway safety practices? Those questions matter not just for the people involved, but for determining whether this was a momentary lapse—or something preventable with proper caution and awareness.

Key Takeaways:

• The cause of the collision between the pickup and the 18-wheeler remains unclear, and both vehicle movements need to be reconstructed.
• Common factors in interstate crashes include unsafe lane changes, distraction, following too closely, or misjudging surrounding traffic.
• ECM data, dash cam footage, and physical evidence will be key to determining how the crash occurred and who may be at fault.
• Reported injuries highlight the need for a thorough investigation, regardless of fault or severity.
• A clear understanding of vehicle behavior in the moments before impact is essential to identifying the responsible party.