Greenleaf, ID — January 28, 2025, one person was killed and another person was injured in a truck accident about 7:45 a.m. on State Highway 19.

Authorities said a 2008 Ford F-150 was hit by a westbound 2024 Freightliner semi-truck as it was attempting to cross the highway on Notus Road just east of Greenleaf.

The pickup driver, an 86-year-old man from Caldwell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

The truck driver, a 45-year-old Boise man, was hospitalized with unspecified injuries, authorities said.

The Canyon County crash is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash involves a vehicle crossing a highway in front of a semi-truck, the most important question is whether the crossing driver had enough time to complete the maneuver safely. The collision in Greenleaf raises several investigative issues that must be examined before determining what led to this fatal crash.

One key factor is visibility. Was the semi-truck clearly visible to the pickup driver before he attempted to cross? Factors such as fog, sun glare or obstructed sightlines due to road design or other vehicles could have played a role. If the crossing driver could not accurately judge the truck’s speed or distance, it could explain why the vehicles entered the same space at the same time.

Another issue is whether the truck driver had enough time to react. Semi-trucks take longer to stop than passenger vehicles, and their ability to avoid a crash depends on how early they perceive a potential hazard. Investigators should review data from the truck’s engine control module (ECM) to determine whether the driver braked or attempted evasive action before impact. If no attempt was made, it raises questions about whether distraction, fatigue or other factors played a role.

The design of the intersection itself is also worth reviewing. Some highway crossings lack adequate signage, warning signals or safe gaps in traffic for crossing vehicles. If this intersection has a history of collisions or near-misses, that could indicate a design issue rather than an error by either driver.

Finally, investigators must consider whether either vehicle experienced a mechanical failure. A brake failure in the pickup or a problem with the truck’s steering or braking systems could have contributed to the crash. Reviewing maintenance records and conducting forensic examinations of both vehicles would help rule out those possibilities.

Ultimately, a thorough investigation should go beyond the initial assumption that the pickup driver misjudged the truck’s approach. Examining visibility, driver actions, road design and vehicle performance is the only way to determine what truly happened and provide answers for the victim's family.