Elkhart County, IN — January 10, 2025, a 19-year-old man was injured following a pedestrian versus truck accident at approximately 7:00 p.m. along Interstate Highway 80.

According to authorities, a teenager was traveling in an eastbound SUV on I.H. 80 in the vicinity of MM 94 when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that the SUV was first involved in an apparently single-vehicle accident, coming to a stop west-facing in the southbound lanes of the highway. The 19-year-old left the SUV, but the passenger vehicle was hit by an 18-wheeler. That collision allegedly led to a collision between the SUV and the the pedestrian teen.

Reports state that the victim came to rest in a roadside ditch. He reportedly suffered serious injuries due to the accident; he was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. No other injuries have been reported. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a pedestrian is struck after exiting a disabled vehicle on the highway, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, wrecks like this often have multiple contributing factors that aren’t immediately clear from the scene alone.

Why did the initial crash occur? The reports don’t explain why the SUV first lost control and ended up stopped in the southbound lanes. Was the driver avoiding another vehicle? Did distraction, fatigue, or road conditions play a role? Investigators should examine dashcam footage, witness statements, and vehicle data to determine what set the crash in motion.

Did the pedestrian have enough time and space to reach safety? It’s possible the teenager exited the SUV in an attempt to avoid further danger, but standing near a vehicle on an active highway is always risky. Investigators should determine whether traffic conditions at the time left the pedestrian with limited options.

Was the truck driver aware of the disabled SUV? Truckers are trained to scan the road ahead for stopped or disabled vehicles, especially at night. If the driver did not see the SUV in time, investigators should determine whether lighting conditions, distraction, or visibility issues played a role. Reviewing dashcam footage, phone records, and in-cab data could help clarify this.

Did broader issues contribute to the crash? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers follow safe driving practices and remain alert for roadway hazards. If the company failed to enforce safe following distances, driver training, or proper vehicle maintenance, those issues could be relevant to understanding why this crash happened. Investigators should examine company policies, safety records, and past violations 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.