Iowa, LA — December 29, 2024, one person was killed following a truck accident at approximately 6:45 p.m. along Interstate Highway 10.

According to authorities, one person was traveling in a westbound passenger vehicle on I.H. 10 in the vicinity of the Thompson Avenue exit for Iowa when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Reports state that an 18-wheeler had stalled and come to a stop on the shoulder of the highway. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the stalled 18-wheeler was struck by the passenger car. Following that, the passenger vehicle was hit by a second 18-wheeler that had also been traveling on the interstate.

The person who had been behind the wheel of the passenger vehicle suffered reportedly fatal injuries. 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 fatal accidents like this occur, people often look at the immediate collision and assume it was an unavoidable outcome of unfortunate timing. However, my experience handling commercial vehicle cases has taught me that the circumstances behind such crashes are rarely so simple. These incidents often highlight a chain of preventable failures that deserve closer examination.

In this case, one significant question is why the initial collision occurred with the stalled 18-wheeler. While breakdowns happen, commercial trucks are required to follow strict safety protocols when they are stopped on the roadside. This includes deploying reflective triangles, flares, or other warning devices to alert oncoming traffic. Were those precautions taken in this situation? If not, how could the truck driver or the company they work for justify leaving the vehicle in a potentially hazardous position without sufficient warning to other drivers?

The involvement of a second 18-wheeler raises even more questions. What role did the second truck’s driver play in the sequence of events? Was there enough time and space to avoid hitting the passenger vehicle after the initial collision, or were factors like speed or inattentiveness contributing issues? Additionally, the second truck's actions—and its driver’s ability to respond appropriately—could be critical in understanding whether its involvement escalated the severity of the crash.

It’s also important to consider the condition of the stalled 18-wheeler itself. Commercial vehicles undergo regular inspections to ensure they are roadworthy. Was the truck properly maintained? Did a mechanical failure contribute to its being stranded on the highway? If so, was that failure the result of negligence, such as deferred maintenance or cutting corners on repairs?

Finally, the trucking company’s practices must be scrutinized. Trucking companies have an obligation to ensure their vehicles and drivers adhere to strict safety standards. Did the company adequately train the driver in responding to emergencies, such as a mechanical breakdown? Were they diligent in overseeing the maintenance of their fleet? If systemic issues contributed to this tragic incident, the company’s accountability must be examined.

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