David Freeman Killed in Truck Accident near Linden, AL

Linden, AL — January 9, 2025, David Freeman was killed in a truck accident at about 9:40 a.m. on State Route 28.

Authorities said a 2016 GMC Sierra pickup was hit by a 2019 Mack semi-truck near mile marker 38 west of Linden.

GMC driver David R. Freeman, 72, died in the Marengo County crash, according to authorities.

No other injuries were reported.

Authorities have not released any further information about the crash.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is to ask how and why it happened. Anytime a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle collide, particularly when one driver dies, it’s important to look beyond the surface details. A crash like this raises critical questions about both the actions of the drivers involved and the circumstances on the road.

The first question that comes to mind is whether either vehicle had the right of way. Did one of the drivers fail to yield, or was there confusion caused by unclear signage or road design? In many cases, visibility and road conditions play a significant role. For instance, was there enough time and space for the vehicles to avoid a collision, or was an obstruction or road hazard involved?

The semi-truck driver’s actions will also need close scrutiny. Commercial truck drivers are held to a higher standard of care due to the potential for serious harm caused by their vehicles. Investigators will likely examine whether the truck was traveling at an appropriate speed and whether the driver was paying full attention to the road. Evidence such as the truck’s engine control module (ECM) data and any dashcam footage could help clarify these details.

Another critical piece of the puzzle is the state of the vehicles involved. For the semi-truck, it’s important to confirm whether it was properly maintained and free from mechanical issues. A failure in the truck’s brakes or steering, for example, could drastically change how we interpret this crash.

Finally, the location of the crash raises questions about the road itself. Was it designed and maintained to safely accommodate both passenger vehicles and large trucks? Poorly maintained or poorly designed roads can contribute to crashes, especially in areas where speeds are high, and passing is common.

Determining what caused this crash will require looking at all these factors and more. For the family of the man who lost his life, finding those answers is essential, not just for understanding what happened but also for ensuring that measures are taken to prevent similar crashes in the future.