Walcott, IA — February 7, 2025, Sarah Pender was injured in a wheel-off hit-and-run truck accident at about 7:30 a.m. along Interstate Highway 80.

According to authorities, Sara Pender was traveling in a westbound Toyota RAV4 on Interstate Highway 80 in the vicinity east of Plainview Road when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons two tires separated from their 18-wheeler which had also been traveling westbound and collided with the Toyota. The impact apparently caused the car to go airborne, rolling an unknown number of times before coming to a stop in the center median resting on its roof.

Pender suffered serious injuries over the course of the accident and was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. The truck allegedly fled the scene, the person(s) inside failing to stop and render aid of any sort. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When an 18-wheeler loses two tires on the highway, causing a serious crash, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, wheel separations are almost never freak accidents—they typically result from mechanical failure, improper maintenance, or poor installation, all of which need to be examined.

What caused the wheels to detach? Semi-truck wheels don’t just fall off under normal conditions. Investigators should determine whether the separation was due to a mechanical failure, such as worn bearings, improper lug nut torque, or axle damage. Reviewing maintenance records and conducting a post-crash inspection of the truck (if located) could reveal whether the issue was preventable.

Did the trucking company properly maintain the vehicle? Federal regulations require commercial carriers to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to prevent dangerous mechanical failures. If the company skipped routine maintenance, ignored warning signs, or allowed the truck on the road in poor condition, it could have played a direct role in the crash. Investigators should examine company policies, inspection reports, and repair records to determine whether negligence played a role.

Why did the truck driver leave the scene? Some may assume that the driver didn’t realize the wheels had come off, but that explanation doesn’t always hold up. Losing two wheels should create noticeable handling issues, and in many cases, drivers are fully aware of what happened but choose to keep going to avoid liability. Investigators should use surveillance footage, witness statements, and GPS tracking to locate the truck and determine whether the driver knowingly fled.

Did broader issues contribute to the crash? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are safe for the road, but not all take that responsibility seriously. If this company had a history of mechanical failures, ignored safety warnings, or failed to train drivers to recognize maintenance issues, that could be relevant to understanding why this crash happened. Investigators should review the company’s past violations and safety record 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.