One Dead After Tractor-Trailer Crash on the Massachusetts Turnpike in Westborough — A Reminder of the Hidden Dangers After Truck Accidents

A tragic crash late Tuesday night on the Massachusetts Turnpike in Westborough has left one person dead and several others injured, according to local reports. The accident, which occurred around 11:40 p.m. near the Interstate 495 interchange, involved a tractor-trailer, a pickup truck, and another vehicle.

Emergency crews from the Westborough Fire Department responded quickly, dispatching six ambulances to the scene to assist six people. Two individuals were reportedly trapped and had to be rescued from the wreckage. Sadly, one person later died at the hospital from their injuries.

The westbound side of I-90 was closed for about an hour before one lane reopened to allow limited traffic to pass. The crash remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet released the name of the victim.

When Truck Accidents Lead to Tragedy

Collisions involving tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles are often devastating due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. Even at highway speeds, a fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds — more than 20 times the weight of a standard passenger car. When these vehicles collide, the results can be catastrophic, leading to severe or fatal injuries.

While the cause of the Westborough crash has not been confirmed, similar Massachusetts highway incidents often involve factors such as driver fatigue, speeding, distraction, or improper lane changes. Because of their scale and momentum, truck crashes also tend to cause multi-vehicle pileups and serious injuries that extend far beyond what’s visible at first glance.

The Hidden Impact: Traumatic Brain Injuries After Truck Crashes

Among the most common — and most overlooked — injuries after serious truck accidents are traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even when a person survives a violent impact, their brain can suffer long-lasting damage that changes the course of their life.

A TBI occurs when the brain experiences a sudden blow or jolt inside the skull. In truck collisions, this can happen from the head striking a window, steering wheel, or seat — or even from the force of sudden deceleration, which causes the brain to move violently within the skull.

TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, but all deserve immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, symptoms don’t always appear right away, leading many crash survivors to go home thinking they’re fine, only to develop concerning signs hours or days later.

Signs You May Have a Traumatic Brain Injury

If you’ve been in a serious car or truck accident, it’s critical to know the warning signs of a possible TBI. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms may include:

• Persistent headaches or dizziness

• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light

• Memory loss, confusion, or trouble concentrating

• Sudden changes in mood or personality

• Nausea, vomiting, or fatigue

• Loss of consciousness, even briefly

• Difficulty speaking, balancing, or staying awake

Because TBIs can worsen over time, medical professionals urge anyone involved in a serious crash to seek an immediate neurological evaluation, even if they feel okay at first.

Why Truck Accidents Often Cause TBIs

Truck crashes are uniquely likely to cause head and brain injuries due to the intense forces involved. The occupants of smaller vehicles often absorb the brunt of the impact, experiencing violent motion or blunt trauma that the human body simply isn’t designed to withstand.

Victims may experience concussions, hemorrhages, skull fractures, or diffuse axonal injury — a condition where nerve fibers in the brain are stretched or torn. These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.

At KBD Attorneys, we’ve represented crash survivors and families dealing with these very injuries. We know how life-altering TBIs can be — not just for the person injured, but for their loved ones as well.

Accountability and Legal Rights After a Trucking Crash

Truck drivers and their employers are held to strict safety standards under both Massachusetts and federal law. When a company fails to train, supervise, or rest its drivers properly — or when maintenance, loading, or equipment errors play a role — victims and their families have the right to seek financial compensation for their losses.

That can include damages for:

• Medical bills and long-term care

• Lost wages or earning potential

• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

• Wrongful death, when applicable

KBD Attorneys has extensive experience handling Massachusetts truck accident cases, helping victims navigate the complex web of insurance claims, federal trucking regulations, and corporate liability that often arise after major highway collisions.

Seeking Justice and Healing in the Wake of Tragedy

The loss of life in the recent Westborough crash is yet another reminder of how fragile life is on the road — and how quickly negligence or inattention can destroy it. As investigators continue to determine what caused this tragedy, families are left to grieve and victims to recover from devastating injuries.

For those who survive, understanding the signs of traumatic brain injury and getting prompt medical help could make the difference between recovery and lasting disability.

KBD Attorneys remains committed to advocating for road safety, accountability, and justice for those harmed by preventable trucking crashes. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident — especially one involving serious head trauma — our firm can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

If you or someone you love suffered a head or brain injury in a truck crash, contact Ketterer, Browne & Davani, LLC, for a free consultation. We stand with victims and families across Massachusetts and beyond, fighting to make our roads safer for everyone.