Rockwall County, TX — October 24, 2024, a Rockwall man was injured in a truck accident shortly before 10:00 a.m. along Interstate Highway 30.

According to authorities, a 26-year-old man was traveling in a GMC Denali pickup truck in the right-most of three westbound lanes of I.H. 30 in the vicinity east of Ridge Road when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a westbound Freightliner with a trailer in two which had been traveling in the center lane of the the interstate attempted a lane change at an apparently unsafe time. This resulted in a collision between the right side of the Freightliner and the left side of the pickup truck. The impact pushed the right side of the pickup into a concrete barrier.

The Rockwall man suffered serious injuries as a result of the wreck; he was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. No other injuries have been reported. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

People often view lane-change collisions as relatively straightforward, assuming one driver simply failed to check their surroundings. However, in my experience, crashes involving large trucks are rarely so simple and often require a deeper investigation to fully understand all contributing factors.

The central question in this case is why the Freightliner attempted a lane change at an apparently unsafe time. Maneuvering a large commercial vehicle requires heightened awareness of nearby traffic, and even a momentary lapse in judgment can have severe consequences. Investigators should examine whether the truck driver properly checked their blind spots and used appropriate signals before initiating the lane change. Data from the truck’s event recorder or dashcam footage could provide valuable insight into the moments leading up to the collision.

Additionally, the trucking company’s role warrants scrutiny. Commercial carriers are responsible for ensuring their drivers are adequately trained to safely operate in multi-lane highway conditions. If evidence suggests that inadequate training or supervision played a role in the incident, the company may share responsibility for the collision. Similarly, the truck’s maintenance records should be reviewed to rule out the possibility of mechanical issues, such as faulty mirrors or indicators, contributing to the crash.

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the accident. 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.