Tremonton, UT — January 10, 2025, two people were injured following a truck accident sometime in the afternoon along Interstate Highway 84.

According to authorities, two people were traveling in a westbound SUV on I.H. 84 in the vicinity of MM 34 when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision took place between the front-end of the SUV and the rear-end of an 18-wheeler. The two people who had been in the SUV reportedly suffered serious injuries due to the wreck; they were each transported to local medical facilities by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identities of the victims—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary

When a passenger vehicle collides with the back of an 18-wheeler, 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 involve multiple contributing factors that aren’t immediately obvious from the scene alone.

Was the truck visible and moving at a safe speed? Trucks traveling significantly slower than the flow of traffic—or merging at a low speed—can create a hazard if other drivers don’t have enough time to react. Investigators should review GPS data, dashcam footage, and electronic logging device (ELD) records to determine whether the truck’s speed and positioning were appropriate for highway conditions.

Did the truck have proper lighting and reflective markings? Commercial trucks are required to have functioning taillights and reflective tape to ensure visibility, especially in lower-light conditions. If these safety features were missing or not properly maintained, that could explain why the SUV driver didn’t recognize the truck in time. Investigators should examine maintenance records and post-crash inspections to confirm whether the truck met visibility requirements.

Was distraction or inattention a factor? Rear-end crashes often involve some degree of driver inattention. Investigators should determine whether the SUV’s driver was fully focused on the road or if something—such as a phone, navigation system, or other distraction—delayed their reaction time. Reviewing phone records, in-car data, and potential witness statements could help clarify whether distraction played a role.

Did broader issues contribute to the crash? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are in proper working order and that their drivers operate safely on the road. If a company failed to maintain its fleet, enforce safe following distances, or train drivers on proper highway speeds, those failures could be relevant to understanding why this crash happened. Investigators should examine company policies, maintenance records, and 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.