Hopkins County, TX — April 25, 2024, Cody Mason was injured following a truck accident shortly before 6:00 a.m. along Interstate Highway 30.

According to authorities, 32-year-old Cody Mason was traveling in a westbound Toyota Tundra pickup truck on I.H. 30 in the vicinity west of U.S. Highway 67 when the accident took place.

Reports state that an 18-wheeler with a trailer in tow had just merged into the right-most westbound lane of I.H. 30 from where it had been on the shoulder. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the truck's trailer was rear-ended by the westbound pickup truck.

Mason suffered reportedly severe injuries as a result of the wreck; he was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. No other injuries have been reported. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When people hear about a crash such as this one, they might quickly assume the driver of the smaller vehicle is at fault. However, in my experience, these cases are rarely that straightforward. Let's delve into some key questions that need to be answered to understand the full picture.

Firstly, it's crucial to investigate why the 18-wheeler was on the shoulder and what prompted it to merge back into the right-most lane of I.H. 30. Was there an emergency or mechanical issue? Understanding the reasons behind the truck's presence on the shoulder can provide insights into whether the truck driver's actions contributed to the crash.

Next, we need to consider the visibility and signaling of the 18-wheeler as it re-entered the highway. Did the truck driver use proper signals to indicate the merge? Were the truck's lights and reflectors functioning correctly? These elements are vital for ensuring that other drivers on the road are aware of a large vehicle merging into traffic, especially in low light conditions like those around 6:00 a.m.

Lastly, the trucking company's policies and the truck driver's training and experience should be evaluated. Are drivers adequately trained to handle merging back into traffic from the shoulder? Does the company enforce strict safety protocols to prevent such incidents?

To get to the truth of this matter, a comprehensive investigation is necessary. This means looking beyond the immediate crash scene to gather all relevant evidence, including witness statements, traffic camera footage, and vehicle data. Only by piecing together all these elements can we determine the full story and hold the appropriate parties accountable.