Lawrence County, AL — January 28, 2025, Daniel Chenault was killed and Patricia Chenault was injured in a truck accident at 6:30 p.m. along State Highway 20.

According to authorities, two people—73-year-old Patricia Chenault and 70-year-old Daniel Chenault—were traveling in a Hyundai Santa Fe on State Highway 20 when the accident took place.

Details surrounding the accident remain scarce. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision took place between the Hyundai and a Freightliner 18-wheeler.

Both Daniel Chenault and Patricia Chenault suffered injuries over the course of the accident that merited transportation to local medical facilities by EMS for treatment. However, Daniel Chenault's injuries were ultimately fatal, as he was later declared deceased. The extent of Patricia Chenault's injuries have not been specified by new reports.

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 a crash between an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle results in serious injuries and loss of life, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, wrecks like this often involve multiple contributing factors that aren’t immediately clear from the scene alone.

Was the truck driver distracted at the time of the crash? Truckers rely on in-cab technology like GPS, dispatch systems, and electronic logging devices (ELDs), but those same tools can also divert their attention from the road. Investigators should review dashcam footage, phone records, and in-cab data to determine whether the driver was fully focused when the crash occurred.

Did either driver have the right-of-way? Without details about how the crash happened, it’s important to consider whether one of the vehicles failed to yield or made an unsafe maneuver. Reviewing traffic patterns, surveillance footage, and eyewitness accounts can help establish whether one driver’s decision set the crash in motion.

Was the truck traveling at a safe speed? Large commercial vehicles require significantly more stopping distance than passenger cars, and even small increases in speed can make it harder to react in time to avoid a collision. Investigators should examine ELD data and witness statements to determine whether excessive speed played a role in the crash.

Was the truck in proper working order? Mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions or steering issues can make a truck difficult to control. Investigators should review maintenance logs and conduct a post-crash inspection to determine whether any equipment failure contributed to the crash.

Did the trucking company enforce safe driving practices? Companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and their vehicles are well-maintained. If a company pushed its driver to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, skipped necessary maintenance, or failed to enforce safety protocols, that could have created the conditions for this crash to occur. Reviewing company policies, driver training records, and past safety violations can help determine whether broader issues played a role.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.