Cass County, MO — August 19, 2024, Joshua Olsen, Jeny Dominguez, and a teenager were injured in a truck accident at around 11:30 p.m. along I.H. 49.

According to authorities, 18-year-old Joshua Olsen, 21-year-old Jeny Dominguez, and a 17-year-old boy were traveling in a passenger vehicle on Interstate 49 when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, as the passenger car was attempting to pass an 18-wheeler, a collision took place between the left side of the truck and the right side of the passenger vehicle. The impact caused the passenger car to veer off of the roadway and overturn, rolling an unknown number of times before coming to a stop.

While the 17-year-old's injuries were minor, those sustained by Dominguez and Olsen were reported to have been moderate. No other injuries have been reported. 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, it’s easy for people to assume that they are simply the result of a brief lapse in judgment. However, my experience with incidents involving large trucks suggests that these crashes often involve more complex factors that require a thorough investigation.

In this particular case, it’s crucial to explore why the collision happened during the attempted pass. Was it due to a misjudgment by the driver of the passenger vehicle, or could there have been a failure on the part of the truck driver to maintain lane discipline? Understanding whether the truck drifted into the other vehicle’s path or if there were other contributing factors, such as mechanical issues or road conditions, is key to uncovering the root cause of the crash.

Truck maintenance and the training provided to commercial drivers are critical aspects that could also play a role. A well-maintained truck should not have sudden lane-drifting issues unless there’s a significant mechanical failure. Similarly, professional drivers are expected to have the skills and awareness to handle situations like passing maneuvers safely. If the truck involved was operated by a commercial company, it’s important to investigate whether the company upheld proper maintenance standards and ensured their driver was adequately trained and fit to be behind the wheel.

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain vital evidence, it is crucial to consider every factor to ensure that those impacted by the crash receive the clarity and closure they deserve.