Sullivan, MO — February 5, 2025, one person was injured in a truck accident at about 1:10 a.m. on eastbound Interstate 44.

Authorities said a 2006 Ford F-150 crashed into the back of a 2019 Freightliner near mile marker 227.

The driver of the Ford, a 63-year-old man whose name has not been made public yet, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities. He was transported to a St. Louis hospital for treatment.

No other injuries were reported.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Franklin County crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash involves a pickup truck rear-ending a semi-truck on the interstate, the key question is why the driver of the Ford F-150 was unable to stop in time. Many people assume that rear-end collisions are always the fault of the trailing driver, but in my experience, there are often other factors that need to be considered.

One of the first things investigators should determine is whether the semi-truck was moving at normal highway speeds or if it had slowed unexpectedly. If the truck had reduced speed due to traffic congestion, mechanical issues or entering a weigh station or exit ramp, the pickup driver may not have had enough time to react. Reviewing ECM (black box) data from the truck could clarify how fast it was traveling before impact.

Another important factor is visibility. This crash happened after 1 a.m., a time when lighting conditions are poor and driver fatigue may be more likely. Investigators should examine whether the semi-truck had properly functioning taillights and reflective markings, as inadequate visibility can make it harder for other drivers to judge distance and speed.

Speed and reaction time also play a role in these types of crashes. Investigators should determine whether the pickup driver had enough time to see and respond to the slowing truck. Reviewing skid marks, vehicle data and any available traffic camera footage could help clarify whether the driver attempted to brake or swerve before impact.

At this stage, authorities have not provided details on what led to the collision. A full investigation should examine vehicle speeds, lighting conditions and potential visibility issues to determine the factors that contributed to the crash.