Semis as a Deadly Weapon: Dangers Posed by Negligent Truckers

March 24, 2025/Kendall Law Group LLC

Every day, thousands of commercial trucks travel across highways in Kansas and Missouri, transporting goods that keep the economy moving. But when these massive vehicles are driven recklessly or at unsafe speeds, they can become deadly weapons on wheels. The consequences of negligent trucking are often severe — causing devastating injuries, life-long trauma, and fatalities.

A recent semi-truck crash in Kansas City, Kansas illustrates just how dangerous negligent truck driving can be — especially when speed is involved.

Recent Crash in KCK Highlights the Risk

On the morning of March 21, 2025, a tractor-trailer crashed into an SUV on northbound I-635, just past I-70 in Kansas City, Kansas. According to local news reports from KCTV5, FOX4KC, and KSHB, the semi rear-ended the SUV, sending it into a guardrail.

Inside the SUV were a woman and a young child, both of whom were hospitalized for their injuries. The crash shut down portions of I-635 during the morning rush and caused major traffic delays.

While the full investigation is ongoing, initial reports indicate that speed may have been a contributing factor — an all-too-common issue when it comes to large truck collisions.

Why Speeding Semis Are So Dangerous

Semi-trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and at highway speeds, that kind of weight creates tremendous force. When a semi is driven aggressively or without proper caution, the risks multiply quickly.

Here are key reasons why speeding semi-trucks pose such a serious threat:

Longer Stopping Distances

A semi-truck traveling at 65 mph can require up to 525 feet to reach a full stop — nearly the length of two football fields. When a truck is speeding, that distance increases dramatically. In stop-and-go traffic or during sudden slowdowns, truck drivers who are going too fast often cannot react in time.

Greater Crash Impact

The physics are simple: the faster a heavy vehicle is moving, the more force it delivers in a collision. When that force is directed into a much smaller vehicle, the results are devastating. Occupants of passenger cars, especially children, are extremely vulnerable.

Reduced Reaction Time

Speeding reduces a truck driver’s ability to respond to unexpected conditions — whether it’s a vehicle stopped in traffic, construction, a sharp curve, or inclement weather. A split second can mean the difference between a near-miss and a deadly crash.

Poor Weather and Road Conditions

Many of Kansas City’s highways — including I-70, I-635, and I-435 — experience high traffic volumes and severe weather. When semi-trucks travel too fast for conditions, especially during rain, ice, or fog, the odds of a collision skyrocket.

The Growing Threat of Negligent Truckers

Unfortunately, the issue of negligent semi-truck drivers isn’t isolated. Across Kansas and Missouri, fatal truck crashes have risen in recent years. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):

Speeding is one of the top contributing factors in fatal large truck accidents.
Thousands of commercial vehicles are involved in injury crashes every year.
Many of these incidents involve drivers operating beyond safe limits — often due to pressure from trucking companies or unrealistic delivery schedules.

Negligence behind the wheel of a semi can include:

Driving too fast for road or weather conditions
Failing to maintain safe following distances
Distracted driving (such as texting or using a GPS)
Driving while fatigued
Ignoring hours-of-service rules
Poor vehicle maintenance

Each of these factors increases the danger not just for the truck driver, but for every other person on the road.

The Human Cost of Commercial Truck Crashes

Crashes involving commercial trucks often result in far more serious injuries than typical car accidents. Victims may suffer:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord damage
Internal bleeding
Broken bones
Severe burns
Long-term disability

For families affected by these collisions, the road to recovery is long and painful. Medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and the burden of ongoing care can be overwhelming.

In tragic cases, truck accidents lead to wrongful death, leaving families grieving while also navigating financial uncertainty.

Who Is Responsible?

When a crash like the one on I-635 happens, multiple parties may be held liable, depending on the circumstances:

The truck driver – for speeding, fatigue, or reckless driving
The trucking company – for unsafe scheduling, lack of training, or poor oversight
Maintenance contractors – if brake failure or other mechanical issues contributed
Cargo loaders – if improperly secured cargo affected the vehicle’s handling

Investigating these cases requires in-depth legal work, including analysis of:

The truck’s electronic logging device (ELD)
Driver logs and hours-of-service compliance
Black box data (speed, braking, steering)
Dash cam or traffic footage
Maintenance records
Witness statements

Know Your Rights After a Truck Accident

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

Emergency medical treatment
Ongoing rehabilitation or surgery
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage
Long-term care or disability accommodations

At Kendall Law Group, we help clients throughout the Kansas City metro area pursue justice after serious trucking accidents. Our team is committed to holding negligent truckers and their employers accountable.

We understand the tactics used by trucking companies and insurance carriers to limit payouts — and we push back.

How Kendall Law Group Can Help

Truck accident claims are not the same as typical car crash cases. They involve federal safety regulations, commercial insurance policies, and aggressive defense strategies from trucking companies.

At Kendall Law Group, we dig deep to uncover the truth. We coordinate with medical providers, crash reconstruction specialists, and investigators to build a strong case on your behalf.

We are here to support you every step of the way — from the initial consultation through settlement negotiations or trial.

Kansas City Semi-Accident Injury Trial Lawyers

The recent crash on I-635 is one of many tragic examples of what can happen when semi-truck drivers act negligently. But you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision caused by a speeding or negligent commercial vehicle driver, contact Kendall Law Group today for a free consultation by calling (816) 531-3100.

Our team is ready to stand with you and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.