Rock Port, MO — December 15, 2024, one person was injured in a truck accident at about 12:20 a.m. on Interstate 29 in Atchison County.

Authorities said a 2013 Kenworth semi-truck crashed into the trailer of a 2002 Freightliner semi-truck while attempting to pass as the trucks were heading north.

The impact caused the Kenworth to veer off the right side of the road and flip onto its side, according to authorities.

The driver, a 28-year-old Iowa man, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries, authorities said.

The other driver, a 67-year-old Florida man, was able to bring his truck to a controlled stop on the highway, according to authorities. He was not injured.

Authorities have not released any more information about the crash.

The crash is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash occurs between two semi-trucks during a passing maneuver, as in this case on Interstate 29, it raises significant legal questions about lane usage, driver judgment, and safety protocols for commercial vehicles. These types of incidents can be particularly dangerous because of the size and weight of the vehicles involved, and understanding the full picture requires a careful examination of what led up to the collision.

Passing another vehicle on a multi-lane highway requires both vehicles to follow strict rules of the road. Investigators need to determine if the Kenworth truck driver attempted to pass in a safe and legal manner. Passing at high speeds or without sufficient clearance can leave little room for error. Investigators also must figure out if the Freightliner truck properly within its lane, or did it drift, contributing to the collision. Even a slight encroachment into the passing lane can force another truck to make dangerous adjustments. Black box (ECM) data from both trucks will provide information about their respective speeds and braking actions before impact.

Cell phone records, dash cameras and in-cab monitoring systems can help investigators determine if either driver was distracted before the crash. A review both drivers’ hours-of-service logs to confirm if they were operating within legal limits.

Investigators also should look into mechanical issues or other vehicle factors that could have contributed to the crash.

Did the Kenworth experience a mechanical failure that caused the truck to veer off the road after impact? A detailed inspection of the vehicle is necessary. Was the Freightliner’s trailer properly secured and stable within its lane? An unstable trailer can cause unexpected movements that affect surrounding vehicles.

The severity of the crash—causing the Kenworth to veer off the road and roll onto its side—suggests high-impact forces and raises additional concerns. Was the Kenworth truck traveling at an unsafe speed for the conditions? Excessive speed during a collision can increase the likelihood of a rollover. Was the Kenworth carrying a heavy or unbalanced load that exacerbated the loss of control? Investigators should review cargo manifests and examine whether the load met legal weight and distribution standards.

While the initial details suggest that the Kenworth truck’s passing maneuver resulted in the crash, it’s important not to jump to conclusions. Multi-truck crashes on highways are rarely simple, as factors like driver fatigue, mechanical issues, and road conditions often play a role. A thorough investigation will ensure the right questions are answered and that the appropriate parties are held accountable for what happened.