Kanawha County, WV — January 5, 2025, Alexis Vega was killed following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 7:30 P.M. on Interstate 77.

AN investigation is underway into an 18-wheeler accident that left one person dead during the evening hours of January 5th. According to official reports, Alexis Vega was traveling in the southbound lanes of Interstate 77 when the vehicle lost control and struck a concrete barrier. After the collision, Vega exited the vehicle and a separate vehicle stopped to offer assistance to Vega when an 18-wheeleralso traveling south, collided the Vega and they vehicle that stopped for assistance.

When first responders arrive don the scene they found that Vega Had suffered critical injuries and transported her to the hospital where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries. At this time it remains unclear what caused the tractor trailer to strike Vega, however this remains an open investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When incidents like this occur, three critical questions must guide the inquiry: (1) Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? (2) Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? (3) Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?

First, a comprehensive investigation is essential to understanding the sequence of events that led to the fatal collision. Authorities should assess whether proper safety measures were in place, such as hazard lights or flares, to alert oncoming traffic to the disabled vehicle. Additionally, it is important to determine whether the tractor-trailer was traveling at a safe speed and whether the driver was attentive to the road conditions. Witness statements and any available video footage from traffic cameras or nearby vehicles could provide valuable insights into how the collision occurred.

Second, the possibility of vehicle defects contributing to the crashes must be explored. The initial vehicle’s loss of control could have been caused by mechanical issues, such as brake failure or steering problems. Similarly, the performance of the 18-wheeler should be examined, as malfunctions like brake system failures or tire blowouts could explain why the driver was unable to avoid striking the individuals and stopped vehicle. A forensic examination of all vehicles involved is crucial to identifying or ruling out such mechanical issues.

Finally, collecting and preserving electronic data is critical. Modern vehicles, including 18-wheelers, are equipped with systems that record vital information, such as speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to a crash. This data can help reconstruct the events that occurred. Dash camera footage from the tractor-trailer or other nearby vehicles could provide additional visual evidence. Additionally, cell phone records from the drivers involved should be reviewed to determine whether distraction, such as texting or phone use, played a role. Timely preservation of this data is essential to avoid losing key evidence.

By addressing these three questions—investigation thoroughness, potential vehicle defects, and electronic data collection—a complete understanding of the factors that led to this accident can be achieved.