El Paso County, CO — January 11, 2025, three people were injured following a multi-vehicle truck accident shortly before 5:30 p.m. along I.H. 25.

According to authorities, an 18-wheeler with a trailer in tow on I.H. 25 jackknifed across all southbound lanes in the vicinity between Midway Ranch Road and Clear Spring Ranch.

Video of the scene which has been published in the news depicts snowy road conditions. Officials indicate that several wrecks took place on the road behind the jackknifed truck. Reports state that three people were injured in the chain reaction crashes and had to be transported to area medical facilities by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identities of the victims—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 focus on the immediate collision, assuming it stems from a single mistake or miscalculation. However, in my years handling commercial vehicle cases, I’ve found that incidents involving jackknifed trucks often have far-reaching causes and consequences that require thorough investigation to fully understand.

One key question here is why the 18-wheeler jackknifed in the first place. Jackknifing usually occurs when a truck loses traction, often due to sudden braking or improper handling. Was the truck driving too fast for the snowy road conditions shown in reports? Was the driver distracted, fatigued, or otherwise unable to react appropriately to changing road conditions? It’s also worth exploring whether the truck was properly maintained, as issues like worn tires or faulty brakes can reduce traction and make jackknifing more likely.

The trucking company’s role should also come under scrutiny. Companies are responsible for equipping their drivers with the tools and training they need to operate safely, especially in challenging weather conditions. Did this driver receive adequate training to handle an 18-wheeler in snow? Were they pressured to meet delivery deadlines that led to risky behavior? Was the truck regularly inspected and maintained, or could mechanical failures have contributed to the crash? Investigating these issues is crucial to understanding whether the company shares responsibility for what occurred.

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 critical evidence, it’s essential to examine every factor to ensure those impacted by the incident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.