Harford County, MD — November 12, 2024, one person was killed following a truck accident at approximately 6:30 a.m. along Interstate Highway 95.

According to authorities, a pickup truck was traveling northbound on I.H. 95 in the vicinity of the exit for Riverside Parkway when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the pickup truck crashed into the rear-end of the trailer of an 18-wheeler that had been parked on the right-hand shoulder of the interstate. Fire erupted as a result of the impact, according to reports.

The person who had been behind the wheel of the pickup truck suffered reportedly fatal injuries over the course of the accident. 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 crashes like this happen, it’s easy to assume they’re the result of a driver mistake or misjudgment. However, in my experience, wrecks involving parked 18-wheelers on the side of the highway often involve layers of complexity that warrant closer examination. A stationary truck on an interstate shoulder creates a unique set of hazards that may not always be obvious to passing drivers, but they’re critical to consider in cases like this.

One major factor that investigators will likely look into is the decision to park on the shoulder in the first place. While there are times when stopping on the shoulder is unavoidable, such as in a breakdown or emergency, doing so is not without risks. If the truck was parked improperly or without necessary precautions—like visible hazard lights or reflective markers—that could have contributed to the collision. Trucking regulations outline specific measures for truckers who have to stop on highways, including using reflective triangles and hazard lights to alert other drivers. Failing to follow these rules can turn an already risky situation into a deadly one.

Another possible area of focus is whether the truck driver had valid reasons for stopping in that location. If the truck was parked for reasons outside of an emergency, that might raise questions about responsibility on the part of the trucking company or the driver. In some instances, inadequate planning, mechanical neglect, or poor dispatching practices contribute to these stops, placing truck drivers and passing motorists in precarious positions. If such issues are found to have played a role, they could suggest a shared responsibility in the accident.

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the accident. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain critical evidence, it’s essential to consider every factor to ensure that those impacted by the accident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.