Traffic accidents can be difficult enough for Missouri and Illinois residents to deal with, but collisions with much larger vehicles like buses or semi-trucks can be even more catastrophic for victims. The extreme size of buses and tractor-trailers, for example, means that the damage dealt to both vehicles and individuals in a truck accident can be significant. This was the case in another state when a bus was reportedly struck from behind by a tandem FedEx tractor-trailer.
The fiery collision caused both drivers to suffer injuries. Officials report that the crash took place just past 6 a.m. on westbound I-20 when a converted school bus was traveling slowly in the right-most lane of traffic. The FedEx tandem truck allegedly smashed into the back of the school bus. Due to the force of the collision, both vehicles slid off the road entirely and flipped over. Additionally, both the bus and tractor-trailer became engulfed with flames.
Emergency workers who responded to the scene transported the injured bus driver to Tanner Medical Center in Villa Rica, Georgia. The injured trucker had to be airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital, located in Atlanta. It wasn’t yet clear exactly why the FedEx truck may have rear-ended the bus. It is likely that investigators will be considering all factors which may have played a role in causing or contributing to the truck accident.
In cases like this, investigators will often take a look at all available evidence to determine whether commercial drivers and the companies which employ them have been abiding by all applicable laws. This can include examining truck driver logs, company records, the driving history of commercial drivers and other steps to get a clear picture of company policy and a driver’s pattern of behavior on the road. The unfortunate truth is that too many drivers and companies sacrifice safety in order to increase their bottom lines.
These unsafe practices run the range from working too many hours, not getting enough sleep, falsifying driver or company records to failing to properly secure loads before taking to American highways. This is one reason why Missouri and Illinois law provides the opportunity for injured victims and their families to pursue financial restitution in a civil court of law. Filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit can provide these individuals with a measure of justice in the face of negligence, not to mention the peace of mind that can come from having the responsible party cover medical and other related expenses rather than having that burden thrust upon an innocent victim.
In the event that you (or a loved one) suffer injury in a truck accident, please know that you have rights guaranteed under personal injury or wrongful death laws. As with any other difficult situation, it can help tremendously to fully understand your rights under those laws. If you dial my personal injury law firm, free of charge, at 1-888-586-7041, we can tell you more about your rights and what future steps you might take. It is never easy to suffer physical injuries at the hands of another person’s negligence, which is why we take pride in helping our clients hold negligent parties responsible. We accept cases on a contingency basis, so you will pay us nothing until — and only if — we obtain financial restitution on your behalf. Remember that truck companies and drivers often have lawyers working on their side to weaken your case, so the sooner you act, the better chance your case will likely have.
Disclaimer: The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
Source Article: http://cdllife.com/2014/top-trucking-news/fiery-crash-shuts-westbound-20-georgia/ and http://www.ajc.com/news/news/i-20-in-carroll-county-shut-down-by-wreck-involvin/ng5xf/