North Little Rock, AR — January 27, 2025, William Cox was killed in a truck accident at about 7 a.m. on westbound Interstate 40.

Authorities said a 2024 Freightliner semi-truck and a 2019 Jeep Cherokee were stopped in traffic near mile marker 161 when a 2019 International box truck crashed into the Jeep. The impact forced the Jeep into the semi-truck, with the box truck ending up on top of it.

Jeep driver William Cox, 40, died at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

No other injuries were reported.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Pulaski County crash.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash occurs in stopped traffic, the key legal question is why the approaching vehicle failed to stop in time. The collision in North Little Rock raises concerns about driver attention, following distance and whether all safety measures were followed.

One of the most important aspects of this investigation is determining why the box truck driver did not stop. Commercial drivers are required to maintain a safe following distance to allow enough time to react to slowing or stopped traffic. Investigators should examine factors such as speed, distraction and fatigue. Reviewing in-cab camera footage, engine control module (ECM) data and cell phone records could help determine whether the driver was paying attention in the moments before impact.

Another issue is whether road or weather conditions played a role. Reduced visibility, slick pavement or sudden traffic slowdowns can make it more difficult for a driver to react in time. However, professional drivers are expected to adjust their driving to account for these conditions. If the driver failed to do so, that could indicate negligence.

The severity of the crash also raises questions about the box truck’s speed and braking system. If the truck was traveling too fast for conditions or had faulty brakes, that could explain why it did not stop in time. Investigators should examine maintenance records to determine whether the vehicle was properly inspected and in good working order.

Crashes like this highlight the dangers of commercial vehicles failing to stop in traffic. A full investigation should go beyond the crash scene to examine driver behavior, vehicle condition and possible contributing factors to determine whether this was an unavoidable accident or the result of negligence. The victim's family deserves answers to any questions they may have about this crash.