On Thursday, September 18, 2025, a fatal two-vehicle crash occurred in Mesa, Arizona. Emergency crews responded to the collision around 6:20 am at the intersection of Brown and Higley roads.
According to authorities, the crash involved a van and a semi-truck. The van driver, later identified as Alex Bussing, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi-truck was taken to the hospital, where they remain in stable condition.
Although rain was falling in the area Thursday morning around the time of the crash, investigators have confirmed that weather was not a factor in the crash. Detectives are still working to determine the cause of the collision.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a serious accident, the team at Singleton Schreiber can help you understand your legal rights and options.
The Dangers of Truck vs Vehicle Collisions
Accidents involving large trucks and smaller passenger vehicles are especially dangerous because of the massive size and weight difference. A semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average van or sedan weighs a fraction of that. When these vehicles collide, the smaller vehicle almost always sustains the most damage, often leading to catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Common causes of accidents between trucks and smaller vehicles include:
- Driver fatigue – truck drivers often work long hours, which can impair reaction time
- Distracted driving – cell phone use, eating, or other distractions can cause deadly lapses in attention
- Mechanical failure – defective parts, such as brakes or tires, can fail suddenly and cause devastating collisions
- Maintenance issues – poor upkeep of critical systems, including brakes and steering, increases the risk of accidents
- Improper training or oversight – inadequate training of truck drivers can result in dangerous driving errors
- Road conditions or design – narrow lanes, blind intersections, or poor signage can contribute to accidents
Depending on the circumstances, several parties could be held liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, vehicle manufacturers, maintenance contractors, or even government entities responsible for road safety.
“My heart goes out to the family who lost their loved one in this tragic crash,” says Knut Johnson, attorney of Singleton Schreiber. “Collisions between commercial trucks and smaller vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries or death. Liability in cases like this may rest on multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, or even government agencies in some cases. Families deserve answers, accountability, and justice.”
Legal Options Available to Surviving Family Members
For the family of Alex Bussing, the loss is immeasurable. While no amount of money can undo the tragedy, Arizona law allows families to pursue a wrongful death claim against those responsible. Such claims can help ease the financial and emotional burden by seeking compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost wages and future financial support
- Medical costs related to the crash
- Loss of love, companionship, and guidance
- Emotional pain and suffering for surviving family members
Wrongful death cases involving trucks are often complex, requiring a thorough investigation of driving records, vehicle maintenance, and company practices. If your family has lost a loved one in a crash with a commercial vehicle, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free consultation and let our dedicated legal team fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.
