Taunton, MA — February 17, 2025, Michael Sarnie was killed in a truck accident at about 10:45 a.m. on southbound Interstate 495.

Authorities said a semi-truck and a box truck were involved in a crash near mile marker 24.

Michael Sarnie, 60, of Mansfield died in the crash, according to authorities. It is not clear what vehicle he was driving.

The other driver was not injured, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash near the Bay Street exit at this time. The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I see a report like this, my first thought is that we don’t have nearly enough information to understand what really happened. A crash involving both a semi-truck and a box truck could have played out in many different ways, and until investigators dig into the details, it’s impossible to say who — if anyone — was at fault.

One of the first things that should be examined is how the collision occurred. Did one of the trucks fail to yield? Was there a lane change involved? Did either driver lose control due to distraction, fatigue or a mechanical failure? Without answers to these questions, any assumptions about what caused this crash would be premature.

Another critical factor is available evidence. Modern commercial trucks often have black boxes that record speed, braking and other data in the moments before a crash. Some also have dashcams, which can provide clear footage of what happened. Investigators should be reviewing this information, along with witness statements and crash scene evidence, to determine the sequence of events.

Crashes between large commercial vehicles can be particularly complex because both drivers are supposed to have professional training and follow strict safety regulations. If one of them made a critical mistake, that’s something that needs to be uncovered. But if the crash resulted from mechanical failure or a company policy that pressured a driver into unsafe behavior, then responsibility may extend beyond just one individual.

At this point, we simply don’t know enough to say what led to this wreck. But if authorities only look at the surface-level facts without digging into the evidence, they could miss key details that explain why this crash really happened.