Forrest County, MS — November 25, 2025, Daniel Johnson was killed in a truck accident at about 4:30 a.m. on Interstate 59.

Authorities said a 2021 International semi-truck was heading north near Evelyn Gandy Parkway when it overturned after crossing the median.

The driver, 64-year-old Texarkana resident Daniel Johnson, died from injuries suffered in the crash near Hattiesburg, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Forrest County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a truck crosses the median and overturns, as reportedly happened here on Interstate 59, the natural question is: Why did it leave its lane in the first place? That’s not something authorities have explained so far, but it’s the first piece of the puzzle that needs to be answered.

Depending on the circumstances, this kind of crash can raise a wide range of issues. Was the driver alert and in control of the vehicle? Was there a mechanical failure or an outside factor like another vehicle? We don’t yet know whether the truck was loaded or empty, whether weather played a role or whether the driver swerved to avoid something. Until those facts are known, jumping to conclusions won’t help anyone get to the truth.

In my experience, figuring out what really happened in a crash like this often comes down to reviewing the electronic evidence. That includes the engine control module (or ECM), which can show how fast the truck was going, whether the brakes were used and whether the driver made any sudden steering maneuvers. In-cab cameras, if the truck had them, can also offer valuable insight into what the driver was doing in the moments before the crash. Cell phone records could rule out (or confirm) distraction.

Beyond the crash itself, there's a second layer that has to be examined: the trucking company's role. Did they follow proper hiring practices? Did they give the driver appropriate training? I’ve handled cases where companies put drivers on the road who had no business operating a commercial vehicle, simply because no one bothered to check their background or test their skills in a meaningful way.

That’s why it’s not enough to treat these crashes as isolated events. The goal of any investigation should be to collect and analyze all the relevant evidence; both from the truck and from the people and companies responsible for putting it on the road. Only then can we understand what went wrong and who, if anyone, should be held accountable.

Key Takeaways:

• The key unanswered question is why the truck crossed the median and overturned: driver error, mechanical failure or another factor?
• Critical evidence may include ECM data, in-cab camera footage and the driver's phone records.
• It's important to examine the trucking company's hiring, training and safety practices, not just the actions of the driver.
• Independent investigations are often the only way to uncover the full truth after a commercial truck crash.
• Accountability depends on evidence, not assumptions.