Fatal tractor-trailer crash on I-75 near mile marker 46 in Laurel County (Jan. 13, 2026)

Quick facts (public info only)

A deadly crash was reported around 3:00 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 on I-75 southbound near mile marker 46 in Laurel County (London area). The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office reported the interstate was shut down for several hours while detectives investigated, and a detour was set up at Exit 49. The sheriff’s office later reported the southbound lanes were back open. (LEX 18 News – Lexington, KY (WLEX))

What has been publicly reported about how it happened

According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, investigators determined a tractor-trailer was traveling southbound in the middle lane when it was struck from the rear by a Nissan Altima. The Laurel County Coroner’s Office identified the driver of the Altima as William Darnell, 30, who was pronounced dead at the scene. (LEX 18 News – Lexington, KY (WLEX))

The tractor-trailer driver was identified as Steven Patrick Jones, 54, of Ohio. The report states he was taken to St. Joseph Hospital London for possible injuries and for execution of a search warrant for blood testing. LEX18 also reported that an arrest citation indicated Jones admitted to using cocaine within 24 hours before the collision, and that he was charged with DUI and lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center. (LEX 18 News – Lexington, KY (WLEX))

Note: Charges are allegations, and the case details may evolve as the investigation and court process continue.

Why rear-end collisions with tractor-trailers raise unique liability questions

Crashes involving the rear of a tractor-trailer often trigger complex, fact-driven questions about:

• The truck’s lane position and whether it was moving normally or slowing/stopped
• Lighting and conspicuity (trailer lights/reflectors and visibility conditions)
• Speed differentials and reaction time at highway speeds
• Whether impairment, distraction, or fatigue played a role for any driver

Who may be liable (fact-dependent)

Based on the publicly reported scenario, potential liability questions may involve:

• The passenger vehicle driver’s insurer/estate issues (depending on facts and insurance coverage)
• The tractor-trailer driver and motor carrier/employer (if evidence supports issues such as lane use, speed, lighting, or compliance)
• Other entities only if supported by evidence (maintenance, equipment defects, etc.)

Carrier name and USDOT information were not included in the public update, so those remain unknown at this time. (LEX 18 News – Lexington, KY (WLEX))

Evidence that matters most in a tractor-trailer fatal crash

In a commercial-vehicle collision, the most important evidence is often time-sensitive:

• ELD/telematics (speed, braking, GPS points, hours-of-service)
• ECM (“black box”) data and any trailer system events (where available)
• Dash-cam video (truck-mounted and other motorists)
• Inspection and maintenance records (especially lighting/reflectors and braking systems)
• Scene documentation (impact point, lane location, debris field, visibility conditions)
• 911/CAD logs and agency timelines related to shutdown and detour

What to do if you were impacted by this crash or the traffic backup

• Get medical care and keep follow-ups if you were involved in any collision near the backup.
• Save dash-cam clips, photos, and notes about the time, location, and traffic conditions.
• Keep receipts for towing, rentals, and missed work if you suffered losses.
• Be cautious with early insurer calls—especially recorded statements—until you understand what evidence exists and who all insurers may be.

How Morrin Law Office helps after a truck crash on I-75

Commercial vehicle cases are different from typical car crashes because the evidence and insurance layers can be more complex. Morrin Law Office helps by:

• Moving quickly to request preservation of key commercial evidence (like ELD/telematics, ECM data, dash-cam video, and maintenance records, when available)
• Helping identify the correct carrier and insurer when those details aren’t public
• Explaining Kentucky next steps clearly and building an evidence-focused plan
• Coordinating the process so you can focus on recovery and documentation

To talk with Morrin Law Office, call (859) 358-0300 or visit our website.

What we still don’t know (as of the public update)

• The motor carrier name and USDOT number
• Any additional official findings beyond the initial investigative summary
• Whether further charges, citations, or updates will be released publicly

Source: LEX18 report citing the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office and arrest citation details regarding the Jan. 13, 2026 crash on I-75 SB near mile marker 46. (LEX 18 News – Lexington, KY (WLEX))