Lafayette, IN — January 14, 2025, Lorie Amick and Lisa Drake were injured in a truck accident shortly before 10:15 a.m. along U.S. Highway 52.

According to authorities, an 18-wheeler with a trailer in tow was traveling northbound on U.S. 52 in the vicinity of 600 South when the accident took place.

Weather and road conditions in the area at the time were reportedly snowy. Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, the 18-wheeler failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. it reportedly slid left of center, ending the opposing lanes of traffic. There, it was apparently involved in a collision with a southbound Chrysler Pacifica occupied by Lisa Drake and Lorie Amick.

Both Drake and Amick suffered severe injuries due to the wreck, according to reports. They were each transported to local medical facilities by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary

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

Did the truck driver adjust their speed for the conditions? Truckers are expected to drive at a speed that allows them to maintain control, regardless of the posted speed limit. Snow and ice increase stopping distances and reduce traction, making it critical for drivers to slow down and make smooth, controlled movements. Investigators should review electronic logging device (ELD) data, dashcam footage, and witness statements to determine whether the truck was traveling at a safe speed.

Were the truck’s tires and braking system in proper condition? Poor tire tread or malfunctioning brakes can make it much harder to control a truck in snowy conditions. Investigators should examine maintenance records and conduct a post-crash inspection to determine whether mechanical issues contributed to the truck’s loss of control.

Was driver experience or fatigue a factor? Handling an 18-wheeler in winter conditions requires skill and training. If the driver lacked experience with snowy roads or had been on duty for an extended period before the crash, that could have affected their ability to react appropriately. Investigators should review the driver’s history, training records, and hours-of-service logs to determine whether experience or fatigue played a role.

Did broader issues contribute to the crash? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and their vehicles are well-maintained. If the company allowed an undertrained driver on the road, failed to enforce proper rest breaks, or neglected necessary vehicle maintenance, that could be relevant in understanding why the crash happened. Investigators should examine company policies, safety records, and past violations to determine whether broader issues played a role.

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 and closure they deserve.