Gardner was struck by a semi-truck near Exit 44 as the tractor-trailer travelled westbound
November 16, 2025 | Asheville, NC
A pedestrian lost his life in a collision with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 40 in Asheville, North Carolina.
Authorities reported the incident occurred on a Sunday morning, highlighting ongoing safety concerns on major highways.
What Happened in the Crash?
Daniel Gardner, 44, of Asheville, was killed when a westbound semi-truck struck him near Exit 44 on Interstate 40 in Buncombe County.
The Asheville Police Department responded to a fatal accident involving a semi-truck and a pedestrian.
Key details include:
- Victim: Daniel Gardner, 44 years old
- Location: Westbound Interstate 40 near Exit 44
- Time: Approximately 11:04 a.m.
- Vehicles Involved: Tractor-trailer (big rig)
- Outcome: Gardner was transported to Mission Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries
- Driver Status: The truck driver remained uninjured and stopped at the scene
Investigators are examining factors that may have contributed to the collision, with further information pending.
Why Do Pedestrian-Truck Accidents Occur?
Pedestrians face significant risks on roadways, particularly interstates, due to the size and speed of large vehicles. Common causes include driver distraction, failure to yield, and environmental conditions. According to the National Safety Council, large truck crashes injure around 150,000 people annually and result in nearly 4,900 fatalities.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration notes that such incidents frequently happen in rural areas and on interstate highways, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual Injuries from Large Truck Accidents |
150,000 |
National Safety Council |
Annual Fatalities from Large Truck Accidents |
4,900 |
National Safety Council |
Common Locations for Fatal Crashes |
Rural areas and interstates |
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration |
Pedestrian Vulnerability Factor |
Most vulnerable road users |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
Legal Insights on Commercial Vehicle Crashes
In cases such as this involving commercial vehicles, thorough investigations are essential to determine liability and protect affected parties.
"Commercial vehicle crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. "A thorough investigation can help identify negligence from trucking companies, which often deploy their own teams to the scene."
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on pedestrian incidents:
- Independent probes can counter corporate defenses by reviewing driver histories, witness statements, and insurance details.
- Attorneys assist in securing fair compensation by engaging professionals and navigating claims processes.
- Pedestrians have the right of way in many scenarios, emphasizing driver responsibility to yield.
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, added:
"It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian. Families may pursue claims for lost income, emotional distress, and other damages following such tragedies."
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).