Update (January 29, 2025): Authorities have identified the man killed in this crash as Frank Gerald Winn, 70.

Akron, OH — December 23, 2024, one person was killed in a truck accident at about 8:20 p.m. on Interstate 77.

Authorities said a car crashed into the trailer of a parked semi-truck while headed north at the Central Interchange, where I-77 meets with Interstate 76. The car ended up wedged under the trailer and pinned against a guard rail.

The driver, a 70-year-old man, died at the scene, according to authorities. His name has not been released at this point.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash.

The accident remains under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash where a car collides with a parked semi-truck and becomes wedged beneath it, the first question that comes to mind is why was the semi-truck parked in such a dangerous location? Parking on or near an active interstate travel lane, especially at an interchange, is a decision with potentially catastrophic consequences.

Semi-trucks are permitted to stop on highways only under specific circumstances, such as mechanical failures or emergencies. If the truck driver stopped for any non-emergency reason, that decision could constitute negligence. Investigators should examine whether the truck’s parking was unavoidable or if the driver failed to find a safer location.

The crash’s outcome suggests that the car driver did not have adequate warning about the parked truck. Federal regulations require trucks stopped on highways to deploy warning devices, such as reflective triangles or flares, to alert oncoming traffic. If these measures were not used — or were improperly placed — the truck driver or their employer could bear responsibility.

The crash occurred at night in a high-traffic area where visibility might have been limited. Poor lighting, heavy traffic or weather conditions may have made it harder for the car driver to see the trailer in time to avoid it. Roadway design, such as sharp curves or inadequate signage, may also have contributed.

The severity of this crash, with the car becoming wedged under the trailer, raises concerns about the semi-truck’s underride guard. These guards are federally mandated safety features designed to prevent cars from sliding beneath trailers in collisions. Investigators should determine whether the truck’s underride guard was present, properly installed and compliant with safety standards.

This case highlights the devastating consequences of parking a large vehicle inappropriately on or near an active highway. For the victim’s family, understanding why the truck was stopped and whether appropriate precautions were taken is essential for accountability. At the same time, it underscores the importance of strict compliance with safety regulations — by both truck drivers and their employers — to minimize the risk of such preventable tragedies.

Ultimately, a thorough investigation must go beyond the crash scene to uncover every factor that contributed to this collision. From the truck’s positioning to the design of the road, each element deserves scrutiny to ensure lessons are learned and similar crashes are prevented in the future.