Brandon, MS — February 21, 2025, Jerri Hawkins was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 2:30 A.M. on I-20.

An investigation is underway following an 18-wheeler accident that left one person dead during the early-morning hours of February 21st. According to official reports, Jerri Hawkins was operating an 18-wheeler on Interstate 20 in the westbound lanes when for unknown reasons the tuck flipped on its side near the exit for Downtown Brandon.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Hawkins had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. At this time it remains unknown what caused the truck to overturn, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by officials in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I see reports like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators are able to determine exactly what caused this crash. When an 18-wheeler overturns, people often assume the driver simply lost control, but my experience has shown that these incidents are often more complex than they first appear. To truly understand what happened, there are three key questions that need to be answered.

The first question is whether authorities conducted a thorough investigation. Law enforcement officers typically document the crash scene, gather witness statements, and try to determine what led to the accident. However, the level of detail in these investigations can vary based on available resources and training. Given that an 18-wheeler was involved, there are additional factors that should be considered, such as whether shifting cargo contributed to the rollover, whether road conditions played a role, or if another vehicle’s actions forced the truck into a dangerous position. These details are critical, yet they can sometimes be overlooked if investigators don’t have specialized experience with commercial truck accidents.

The second question is whether anyone has considered the possibility of a vehicle defect. Mechanical failures can be especially dangerous in large trucks, where tire blowouts, brake malfunctions, or steering system failures can quickly lead to a loss of control. Additionally, 18-wheelers have a higher center of gravity, meaning stability issues—either due to design flaws or improper maintenance—can increase the risk of a rollover. These types of problems require a forensic examination of the truck before it is repaired or scrapped, yet they are often dismissed too quickly in favor of more obvious explanations.

The final question is whether all electronic data related to the crash has been collected. Commercial trucks are equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs) that can provide crucial details about the moments leading up to the accident, including speed, braking, and steering inputs. Additionally, many trucking companies use onboard telematics systems that track driver behavior, GPS location, and even video footage from inside or outside the cab. Investigators should also look for nearby traffic camera footage or any available witness recordings. Unfortunately, this type of evidence is often not preserved unless someone specifically requests it.

Until these questions are answered, it’s too soon to say what caused this crash. Ensuring a full investigation isn’t just about assigning responsibility—it’s about understanding what happened and making sure that, if any preventable factors were involved, steps can be taken to improve safety for all drivers on the road.