Rhome, TX — February 18, 2025, Derrick Osborn was injured following a truck accident that occurred at around 10:38 A.M. on US 81.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person injured during the morning hours of February 18th. According to official reports, Derrick Osborn was operating an 18-wheeler on US 81 and had just taken the exit for 114 west when fro unknown reasons the truck jackknifed, causing the semi to go off-road and roll over.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Osborn had sustained serious injuries and he was transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time it remains unknown what caused the truck to lose control, and currently there has been no update on Osborn's condition, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators can provide clear answers for the person involved and their loved ones. A jackknife accident followed by a rollover is always a serious event, and while initial reports confirm what happened, they don’t necessarily explain why it happened. To truly understand the cause of the crash, three critical questions must be asked.

First, have authorities thoroughly investigated the crash? Law enforcement will typically document the scene, assess road conditions, and consider possible contributing factors such as traffic patterns, weather, and visibility. However, deeper analysis is often necessary. Did the roadway design, such as a sharp curve or a sudden grade change, contribute to the truck losing control? Were there external hazards like debris, ice, or another vehicle’s actions that may have forced the driver to react suddenly? A full accident reconstruction could help determine whether external conditions played a role.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility of a vehicle defect? Jackknifing can occur due to improper braking, but it can also result from mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions, trailer coupling issues, or steering problems. Additionally, improper or unbalanced cargo loading can cause instability, making a jackknife more likely in certain conditions. If a defect or maintenance failure contributed to the crash, preserving the truck for forensic analysis is critical before repairs or removal from the scene.

Third, has all electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Most commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) and electronic control modules (ECMs), which record key data such as speed, braking efforts, and steering input leading up to the crash. Additionally, nearby traffic or surveillance cameras may have captured footage that provides further insight into what happened. If this evidence isn’t secured quickly, it may be lost, making it harder to determine exactly what led to the crash.

At the end of the day, the driver and their family deserve clear answers. If the official investigation leaves any gaps, independent experts may be needed to ensure that every possible factor is considered. Whether the cause was environmental, mechanical, or something else entirely, the community owes it to those affected to make sure all available evidence is carefully examined.