Farr West, UT — February 13, 2025, one person was killed following a truck accident some time before 3:20 p.m. along Interstate Highway 15.

According to authorities, the accident took place in the southbound lanes of I.H. 15 near 2700 North.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a passenger vehicle occupied by a 64-year-old man collided with the rear-end of an 18-wheeler. The man suffered reportedly fatal injuries due to the wreck. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

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 have multiple contributing factors that need to be examined.

Was the 18-wheeler moving at an appropriate speed? While drivers are expected to maintain a safe following distance, that assumes the vehicle ahead is traveling at a predictable speed. If the semi-truck was moving significantly slower than surrounding traffic, merging onto the highway, or stopped in an active lane, that could have left the other driver with little time to react. Investigators should review GPS data, dashcam footage, and electronic logging device (ELD) records to determine whether the truck’s speed was appropriate for highway conditions.

Was the truck visible to approaching drivers? Commercial trucks are required to have working taillights and reflective markings to ensure other drivers can see them in time, especially in lower-light conditions. If the truck’s visibility was compromised due to missing or malfunctioning lights, investigators should examine maintenance records and post-crash inspections to determine whether poor visibility played a role.

Was distraction or fatigue a factor? Rear-end crashes often raise questions about driver awareness. Was the driver fully focused on the road, or was something—such as a phone, navigation system, or drowsiness—causing a delay in reaction time? Investigators should examine phone records, toxicology reports, and other potential distractions to determine whether inattention contributed to the wreck.

Did broader issues contribute to the crash? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are properly maintained and that their drivers operate safely on the road. If the company allowed a truck with poor visibility or failed to properly train its drivers on highway safety, that could be relevant in understanding why the crash happened. Investigators should examine company policies, maintenance records, and any 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.