Dawson Springs, KY — January 21, 2025, David Pleasant was killed following a 18-wheeler accident that occurred Tuesday morning on Beulah Rd.

An investigation is underway following an 18-wheeler accident that left one person dead during the morning hours of January 21st. According to official reports, an 18-wheeler was traveling on Beulah Rd. when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and overturned.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the cab of the truck was so severely damaged that it was necessary to cut their way inside. That's when they found that the driver, David Pleasant had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. At this time it remains unknown what caused the vehicle to lose control, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

hen I read about an accident like this, my first thought is how crucial it is for investigators to determine what caused the 18-wheeler to lose control. Commercial truck accidents often involve multiple factors, and understanding what led to the crash is essential for ensuring accountability and improving safety. In this case, three key questions should guide the investigation.

The first question is whether authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation. Given the size and weight of 18-wheelers, even minor incidents can lead to severe consequences. Investigators should assess road conditions at the time of the crash, including visibility, surface hazards, and whether the roadway was properly maintained. Was the truck carrying a heavy or unbalanced load that could have affected stability? Have witness statements and any available surveillance or traffic camera footage been reviewed to determine the vehicle’s movements leading up to the crash? These details are crucial for reconstructing the events leading up to the accident.

The second question is whether a vehicle defect could have contributed to the crash. Mechanical failures in commercial trucks—such as brake malfunctions, steering issues, or tire blowouts—can result in a driver losing control. Additionally, defects in the truck’s structure or cargo securing mechanisms can make rollovers more likely. A thorough inspection of the truck should be conducted to determine whether any mechanical issues played a role in the crash.

Finally, has all electronic data related to the crash been collected? Most modern commercial trucks are equipped with an electronic control module (ECM), which records key data such as speed, braking activity, and steering inputs in the moments leading up to a crash. Analyzing this information can help determine whether the driver attempted to correct the loss of control or if the vehicle experienced a mechanical issue. Additionally, if there were any nearby security cameras or dashcams, reviewing their footage could provide further insights. Securing and preserving this data promptly is critical to ensuring a full and accurate investigation.

Answering these three questions is essential to fully understanding the cause of this crash and ensuring that all possible contributing factors—whether road conditions, mechanical failures, or other influences—are thoroughly examined. A detailed investigation not only provides clarity for those affected but also helps identify broader safety concerns. Every crash involving a commercial truck warrants this level of scrutiny, as the findings can contribute to improvements that enhance road safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.