Sandstone Mountain, WV — August 10, 2024, Jeffrey Howard was killed following a single-vehicle truck accident just after 11:45 a.m. along Interstate Highway 64.

According to authorities, 62-year-old Dublin, Ohio, man Jeffrey Howard was traveling in an eastbound 18-wheeler on I.H. 64 when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the 18-wheeler was involved in a single-vehicle collision on an escape ramp, catching on fire as a result. Howard suffered reportedly fatal injuries due to the wreck and was declared deceased at the scene. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When accidents like this occur, people often assume they stem from simple errors or unpredictable events. However, in my experience, crashes involving large trucks typically involve deeper, more complex issues that warrant thorough investigation.

In this case, the fact that an 18-wheeler ended up on an escape ramp and subsequently caught fire raises several important questions. Was the truck experiencing mechanical issues that led to the driver attempting to use the escape ramp? Was there a problem with the vehicle’s brakes, which is a common reason for using such ramps? These factors are critical to understanding the circumstances leading up to the accident.

Another important aspect to consider is the condition of the truck and the role of the company responsible for it. If the truck was not properly maintained or if the driver was inadequately trained to handle emergency situations, the company could share responsibility for the accident. Regular maintenance checks and rigorous training are essential in preventing such incidents, and any lapse in these areas could have contributed to this fatal outcome.

Ultimately, it’s crucial that the investigation uncovers the truth behind this incident, not only to provide clarity for those affected but also to ensure that steps are taken to prevent similar accidents in the future. Comprehensive investigations that consider all potential factors are necessary to achieve justice and accountability.