Bethesda, MD — July 10, 2025, One person was injured following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 1:00 A.M. on Interstate 495.

According to reports, an 18-wheeler hauling mushrooms was traveling on Interstate 495 near Old Georgetown Road, when for unknown reasons the semi lost control as it was going over a bridge and partially left the road, dangling off the side.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the driver was trapped inside, and after extrication transferred them to the hospital for treatment. The driver's injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, and officials are investigating the cause of the accident.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When an 18-wheeler ends up dangling off the side of a bridge, it raises immediate questions—not just about what happened, but how such a dramatic incident could occur without any obvious cause. The truck was reportedly hauling mushrooms on I-495 near Old Georgetown Road when it lost control going over a bridge. That much is clear. But the more important part—why it lost control—is still completely unanswered.

Bridges can be tricky stretches of road. They’re often elevated, narrow, and prone to sudden changes in traction, especially if weather or surface conditions change abruptly. But none of that explains how or why a truck would veer far enough off-course to end up halfway off the side. Was the truck speeding? Did it swerve to avoid another vehicle? Was there a mechanical failure? Without those answers, we’re left with speculation—and that doesn’t serve the truth.

One factor worth examining is the cargo. Mushrooms may not sound hazardous, but like any perishable load, they often require refrigeration and specific handling. If the trailer was refrigerated, it would have added significant weight. And if that weight wasn’t properly distributed, even a slight maneuver on a curved or elevated roadway could cause a loss of control. That makes it essential to investigate how the trailer was loaded, who did the loading, and whether the driver or trucking company properly inspected the cargo before departure.

There’s also the question of what the truck’s internal systems recorded. Was the ECM—the truck’s black box—retrieved? That could tell us how fast the truck was going, whether the brakes were applied, or if there were any sudden steering movements. In-cab cameras, if present, could also show what the driver saw and did in the moments before the crash. And cell phone records could confirm whether distraction played a role.

Lastly, we don’t know what kind of safety barriers were in place on the bridge. Depending on how the truck ended up hanging off the side, it’s fair to ask whether the roadway’s design and maintenance played any part. That’s not to shift blame, but to fully understand the chain of events that allowed a 40-ton vehicle to end up in such a dangerous position.

Key Takeaways:

• The reason the truck lost control on the bridge remains unknown, leaving critical questions unanswered.
• Cargo weight and distribution—especially with refrigerated loads—could have contributed to instability.
• ECM data, in-cab footage, and driver phone records are key pieces of evidence that should be reviewed.
• The bridge’s design and barrier strength may also be relevant to understanding how the truck ended up off the road.
• A full investigation is essential to determine whether this was a freak accident—or a preventable one.