Monroe County, MI — January 22, 2025, one person was killed and another was injured in a truck accident at about noon on Interstate 75.

Authorities said a 2023 Hyundai Kona was headed south when it crashed into the back of a 2022 Volvo semi-truck near Gaynier Road, then it hit a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica before coming to rest against the median barrier.

The Hyundai driver, a 56-year-old woman from Detroit, died after being taken to a local hospital, according to authorities. Her passenger, a 43-year-old Detroit man, suffered minor injuries in the crash. Their names have not been made public at this time.

No other injuries were reported.

Authorities said alcohol may have been a factor in the crash, which is still being investigated.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Crashes like this one highlight how quickly things can go wrong on a busy interstate, particularly when large commercial vehicles are involved. The details here suggest a tragic series of events, but as is often the case, determining the exact cause requires more than just a surface-level look at the crash scene.

Beyond potential impairment, investigators must also look at the larger context of how this crash unfolded. Rear-end collisions with semi-trucks often raise questions about visibility and following distance. Was the truck properly marked and equipped with working lights to make it visible to approaching vehicles? Was the Hyundai following too closely or traveling at a speed that made stopping in time impossible? These are questions that can only be answered by examining evidence like dashcam footage, crash debris and vehicle black box data.

Another aspect worth exploring is the behavior of the other vehicles involved. The crash report mentions a Chrysler Pacifica, but it’s unclear whether that vehicle’s movements contributed to the chain of events. Did it stop abruptly, change lanes unexpectedly or otherwise play a role? Multi-vehicle crashes often involve complex dynamics, and understanding each vehicle’s role is crucial for determining liability.

Finally, road design and conditions near the crash site should be reviewed. Was this section of Interstate 75 particularly congested at the time? Were there any hazards, such as construction or poorly marked lanes, that might have contributed? While driver behavior is often the primary focus, roadway factors can sometimes play an equally important role in crashes.

In the end, crashes like this are rarely the result of a single mistake. Instead, they typically stem from a combination of factors, including driver behavior, vehicle condition and roadway environment. Only through a thorough investigation can authorities determine who is responsible for this crash.