Franklin County, MO — March 27, 2024, Edith McKee lost her life following a truck accident that took place along Interstate Highway 44.

According to authorities, 59-year-old Edith McKee was traveling in an eastbound SUV on I.H. 44 when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a westbound 18-wheeler failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. It reportedly veered left, went over the median and plowed through the cable barrier before entering the opposing lanes of the highway. There, it was involved in a head-on collision with the oncoming SUV.

McKee suffered fatal injuries over the course of the accident, according to reports, and was declared deceased at the scene. Reports state that authorities have recommended charges of first-degree involuntary manslaughter against the man who had been behind the wheel of the 18-wheeler. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. Investigations continue.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When an 18-wheeler crosses a highway median and crashes into oncoming traffic, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, wrecks like this rarely occur without multiple contributing factors that need to be examined.

What caused the truck to leave its lane? Professional drivers are trained to maintain control of their vehicles, so investigators need to determine why this one veered into oncoming traffic. Was the driver distracted? Fatigued? Impaired? Investigators should review cell phone records, hours-of-service logs, and toxicology reports to identify potential causes.

Did mechanical failure play a role? If the truck experienced brake failure, a steering issue, or a tire blowout, that could explain why it veered off course. Investigators should examine maintenance logs, black box data, and inspection records to determine whether a mechanical defect or poor vehicle upkeep contributed to the crash.

Was the truck traveling at a safe speed? Large trucks take longer to stop and maneuver, and excessive speed makes it harder to recover from a mistake. If the driver was speeding or failed to adjust for road conditions, that could have been a factor. Investigators should analyze black box data, skid marks, and crash reconstruction reports to determine whether speed played a role.

Did the trucking company play a role? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained, well-rested, and operating safe equipment. If this driver was fatigued, under pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines, or operating a poorly maintained truck, investigators need to uncover those details. Reviewing company policies, safety records, and past violations could provide insight into whether broader issues contributed to the crash.

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 they deserve.