Wells County, IN — January 8, 2025, Rebecca Meier was killed in a truck accident at about 9:15 a.m. on U.S. Route 224.

Authorities said a car crashed into a semi-truck where the highway intersects with County Road 450. The car lodged under the semi-truck, which dragged it for several hundred feet. The car burst into flames after the crash north of Bluffton.

The driver of the car, 45-year-old Rebecca L. Meier, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash. The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Crashes like this one are a stark reminder of the consequences that can result when smaller vehicles collide with large commercial trucks. As investigators work to determine what happened at the intersection, I believe it’s critical to dig deep into the factors that led to such a catastrophic outcome.

One immediate question is how the collision occurred at the intersection. Did the semi-truck fail to yield, or did the car driver misjudge the truck’s speed or distance? Intersections are among the most dangerous areas for collisions, especially those involving large trucks, and they often require a heightened level of caution from all drivers. Determining whether one party’s error or an external factor, like poor visibility or confusing traffic signals, contributed to the crash is key to understanding who bears responsibility.

The fact that the car became lodged under the truck highlights the potential role of underride protections, or the lack thereof. Federal law requires large trucks to be equipped with rear underride guards, but the effectiveness and enforcement of these regulations vary widely. Moreover, there are no such requirements for side underride guards, despite their proven potential to save lives. In a case like this, investigators should assess whether the truck was equipped with the proper safety equipment and whether that equipment was maintained and functioning as it should have been.

Another significant aspect of this crash is the fire. Vehicle fires can cause additional injuries and fatalities, and they often result from flaws in fuel tank placement, structural weaknesses or mechanical failures. It’s worth asking whether the fire was a result of the initial collision’s severity, or if it might have been exacerbated by a defect in the car or truck. Investigators should thoroughly examine both vehicles to rule out preventable issues.

Finally, I’d be curious to know if any systemic issues played a role in the crash. For instance, was the intersection designed to safely accommodate the size and stopping distance of large trucks? Was there any history of crashes at this location? Addressing these broader questions can help prevent future accidents in similar circumstances.

As authorities continue their investigation, I hope they take a comprehensive approach, examining all potential factors from driver behavior and vehicle conditions to systemic safety issues. For those affected by this crash, understanding exactly what happened is an important step toward closure and accountability. Crashes involving underride and fires demand careful scrutiny, as they often reveal areas where improved safety measures could save lives.