Logan County, OK — November 15, 2025, two people lost their lives in a pedestrian versus truck accident at about 2:30 a.m. along Interstate Highway 35.

According to authorities, the accident took place on I-35 in the vicinity north of State Highway 33. Officials indicate that two people exited their vehicle after it had allegedly crashed into a deer. They were subsequently struck by an 18-wheeler, according to reports. Both pedestrians reportedly suffered fatal injuries due to the collision. 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 people are struck and killed by an 18-wheeler after exiting their vehicle on the side of the highway, most would assume it was simply a tragic consequence of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But from a legal standpoint, that assumption leaves out an important question: Did the truck driver have a reasonable opportunity to see them and avoid the collision? In a situation like this, the facts matter—particularly when it comes to visibility, driver attentiveness, and whether the truck was being operated lawfully at the time.

We know that the pedestrians had exited their vehicle following a deer strike—something that’s not uncommon on rural stretches of interstate, especially in the early morning hours. What remains unclear is where exactly they were when the collision occurred. Were they on the shoulder? In the travel lane? Standing near the disabled vehicle? That detail can make all the difference in evaluating whether the 18-wheeler driver had a duty—or a chance—to avoid hitting them.

At 2:30 a.m., visibility is at its worst, and commercial drivers know this. That's why they’re expected to remain alert and prepared for the unexpected, especially in low-light conditions. If the pedestrians were visible—due to the presence of hazard lights, headlights, or even reflective clothing—and the truck driver failed to slow down or move over, that’s not just a tragic outcome; it could point to legal fault. Investigators will need to examine dash cam footage, ECM data, and possibly roadway lighting conditions to determine whether the driver saw—or should have seen—people on or near the roadway.

That said, pedestrian behavior is also relevant. If the individuals were in the travel lane, not using hazard signals, or moving unpredictably around the vehicle, that could complicate questions of liability. But again, the law doesn’t excuse a commercial driver from scanning the road ahead and responding to hazards. These trucks take time to stop and space to maneuver, but drivers are trained to account for that.

Ultimately, the key legal question isn’t simply why the pedestrians were there—it’s what the truck driver did, or didn’t do, in response. That answer won’t come from assumptions. It’ll come from evidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Investigators must determine where the pedestrians were—on the shoulder, in the lane, or near the vehicle—at the time of impact.
• Truck drivers are expected to remain alert, particularly during low-visibility hours like early morning.
• Dash cam footage, black box data, and lighting conditions will be essential in determining what the driver could see.
• Pedestrian conduct matters, but so does whether the truck driver had a reasonable opportunity to avoid the collision based on training and roadway conditions.