Jefferson, MO (May 18, 2025) – First responders, including paramedics, assessed and treated individuals hurt in the crash following a two-vehicle collision Saturday morning on southbound Interstate 55 near the 178 mile marker.
The crash occurred at approximately 11:00 AM and involved a 1996 Freightliner truck and a 2018 Toyota Camry. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Freightliner was traveling in the second lane of SB I-55 when the Camry attempted to merge from the McNutt St exit ramp. The front right of the Freightliner struck the left side of the Camry during the merge, resulting in significant damage.
The Toyota Camry sustained total damage and was towed from the scene by McCain’s Towing. The Freightliner incurred only minor damage and was driven away. The Camry’s driver, a 26-year-old male from Wentzville, MO, was wearing a seatbelt and suffered injuries. He was transported by Joachim Plattin Ambulance to Mercy Hospital Jefferson for evaluation.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Our thoughts are with the injured driver as he recovers.
Truck Collisions in Missouri
Merging onto high-speed highways like I-55 presents a heightened risk for both commercial and passenger vehicles. Accidents often occur when merging traffic fails to fully yield or misjudges the speed and spacing of vehicles already in travel lanes. This type of scenario, as seen in Jefferson County, underscores the vulnerabilities of smaller vehicles in encounters with heavy trucks.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation statistics, commercial vehicle collisions continue to be a serious concern on interstates. In 2023, over 5,000 crashes statewide involved large trucks, many of which occurred during lane changes or merges. The mass and speed of a truck can make it difficult to stop quickly or avoid merging vehicles, especially in high-traffic areas or at exits like McNutt St.
In these collisions, even when injuries are minor, the structural damage to passenger vehicles is often extensive, and insurance negotiations can be complicated by disputes over fault. Victims are encouraged to document all medical evaluations and vehicle assessments carefully. Legal guidance may be necessary to recover costs for repairs, medical bills, and future care, especially when dealing with commercial insurance policies.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.