Clinton, MO — January 3, 2025, one person was injured in a truck accident at about 1:30 p.m. on State Route 18 in Henry County.

Authorities said an eastbound 2018 Chevrolet Silverado and a westbound 2015 Peterbilt semi-truck brushed each other east of Clinton. The Silverado rolled off the road and landed on a fence.

The 15-year-old boy who had been driving the pickup suffered minor injuries in the crash, according to authorities. The truck driver was not injured.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Crashes like this one, where two vehicles brush each other while passing, often raise important questions about road conditions, vehicle positioning and the actions of both drivers. While the details of this incident are still limited, a thorough investigation is essential to understanding how the crash occurred and whether it could have been prevented.

One critical area of focus should be the roadway itself. Was this stretch of State Route 18 narrow or poorly maintained? Passing maneuvers can be especially challenging on roads that lack adequate width or have unclear lane markings, and these factors should be carefully evaluated.

The condition of both vehicles also warrants scrutiny. For the semi-truck and the pickup, investigators should ensure that all safety systems — such as lights, mirrors and lane monitoring features — were functioning properly. Any mechanical issues or missing equipment could affect a driver’s ability to safely navigate the roadway and avoid contact with another vehicle.

Investigators will need to assess the circumstances of the crash, including speed, positioning and how both drivers responded as they passed each other. Witness statements and physical evidence from the vehicles and the crash site could provide valuable insights.

By carefully evaluating all these factors, investigators can piece together a clearer picture of what led to the crash. Understanding these elements is key to determining accountability.