Jacksonville, FL — February 18, 2025, one person was killed following a truck accident at approximately 3:00 p.m. along Interstate Highway 295.

According to authorities, a 24-year-old man with a 1-year-old passenger was traveling in a southbound motor vehicle on I.H. 295 in the vicinity of the 103rd Street ramp when the accident took place.

Traffic in the area had apparently slowed and stopped. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the motor vehicle collided with the rear-end of an 18-wheeler that had been at a stop in the traffic conditions.

The man who had been behind the wheel of the passenger vehicle suffered reportedly fatal injuries due to the wreck. It does not appear that anyone else was hurt. 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

When a passenger vehicle collides with the back of a stopped 18-wheeler in traffic, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, rear-end crashes involving commercial trucks often have multiple contributing factors that need to be examined.

Was the stopped truck visible to approaching drivers? Commercial trucks are required to have functioning taillights and reflective markings to ensure visibility, especially when stopped in traffic. If the truck’s lighting system was malfunctioning or its reflective markings were inadequate, approaching drivers may not have had enough warning to slow down. Investigators should review maintenance records and post-crash inspections to determine whether visibility played a role.

Did the driver of the passenger vehicle have enough time to react? If traffic had slowed or stopped suddenly, the driver may not have had enough time to adjust. Investigators should analyze dashcam footage, traffic conditions, and witness statements to determine whether road congestion, distraction, or impairment contributed to the crash.

Did distraction or fatigue play a role? Rear-end crashes often raise questions about driver awareness. Was the driver fully focused on the road, or was something—such as a phone, GPS, or drowsiness—causing a delay in reaction time? Investigators should examine phone records, toxicology reports, and other potential distractions to determine whether inattention contributed to the wreck.

Did broader issues contribute to the crash? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are properly maintained and that their drivers operate safely on the road. If the company failed to maintain proper vehicle lighting, ignored prior safety violations, or failed to train drivers on how to safely position their trucks in traffic, those factors could be relevant in understanding why the crash happened. Investigators should review company policies, maintenance records, and any past safety 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.