TRUCK ACCIDENT RESULTS IN FATAL INJURIES
Drivers in Pennsylvania often encounter large vehicles on the roadway. Semi trucks and tractor-trailers frequent the roads and are often used to make large shipments long and short distances. Most drivers are used to making long trips in these massive vehicles, but even the most experienced drivers could become involved in a truck accident. These vehicles are often more difficult to control and could be especially challenging to control in bad weather, when they are traveling at high speeds or are involved in a collision.
Authorities in Coraopolis recently responded to a fatal truck collision that involved an SUV. According to preliminary reports, the SUV was out of control and collided with the tractor-trailed traveling in the westbound lanes on Interstate 376. The crash happened around 9:45 a.m. and caused the tractor-trailer to hit a guardrail, flip over onto its side and slide down a slope on the side of the Interstate.
Emergency crews responded to the massive crash and assessed those involved. The driver of the tractor-trailer was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the SUV suffered unspecified injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
The crash is still under investigation and the westbound lanes of Interstate 376 were closed for several hours during investigation and clean up. Once completed, authorities should be able to determine cause and liability. If a driver was negligent and caused a fatal crash they could be liable for the resulting deaths, injuries and damages.
In this case, the loved ones of the deceased truck driver might have a cause of action. They may be able to file a wrongful death suit in order to recover compensation to alleviate the financial burdens caused by the accident. The monetary award could cover funeral costs, lost wages and damages.
A truck accident is often a massive collision resulting in severe damage, serious injuries and even death. This could significantly impact not only those involved but their loved ones as well. Those impacted should understand their options in the situation so they can take appropriate action.
Source: WPXI, “Trucker killed in crash closing I-376 in W. Pa.,” Jan. 06. 2014