David Smith Dies in a Crash with a Parked Semi-Truck on Interstate 35 in Logan County, Oklahoma

Logan County, OK – a man died in a crash involving a parked semi-truck on Interstate 35 on Thursday morning

Authorities reported that a semi-truck, driven by 70-year-old David Smith, collided with a parked International MA025, unoccupied and positioned just off the shoulder. The impact of the crash caused the semi-truck to catch fire.

Emergency responders pronounced Smith dead at the scene.

No additional details have been released.

You don’t park full-sized semi-trucks next to moving lanes of highway traffic

In this horrific crash, it’s easy to assume that the deceased driver is solely to blame. But we need to ask the critical question: Why was the semi-truck parked on the shoulder? Shoulders are not intended for parking, especially on high-speed highways, and truck drivers are well aware of the dangers. Even a small error from a passing motorist can lead to a catastrophic event.

We need to investigate the circumstances that led to this crash. Why did the truck driver pull over? Was it due to a preventable mechanical issue? Or was the driver taking an unnecessary break? The trucking company likely holds vital information—driver logs, maintenance reports, and perhaps dash cam footage. These details are essential to uncovering the full story.

We’ve encountered too many cases like this before. In one situation, we successfully held a trucking company responsible after a young man crashed into the back of a truck parked in the left emergency lane. When we questioned the truck driver, he admitted he had stopped to use the restroom, putting all other drivers at risk. This careless decision left a family without a father, which is inexcusable.

Discovering the truth in cases like this does more than provide closure for those affected. It also helps improve road safety by holding dangerous practices accountable. I hope those involved in this incident receive the support they need to find real answers and a path forward.

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The Ammons Law Firm represents clients nationwide in personal injury and wrongful death litigation.

Disclaimer: This post is not legal advice. Information contained in this blog was compiled from third-party sources or is the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if false or misleading information is contained in this post.