Driver distraction is a huge issue across the country, as many Missouri and Illinois residents unfortunately know from firsthand experience. This issue can be far more dangerous when it involves truck driver distraction. Semi-trucks and the trailers full of cargo that they transport along American roadways can become deadly projectiles in the event of a truck accident. One recent semi crash resulted in the tragic deaths of four young college softball players.
Authorities believe that driver distraction could have played a role in the truck accident, although they are still investigating the collision. Reports indicate that the crash took place after a 53-year-old truck driver hauling cargo for Quickway Transportation failed to properly negotiate a curve along Interstate 35. His tractor-trailer then sped through the highway’s median, slammed into a bus traveling in the opposite direction and careened an additional 300 feet before coming to a stop.
The bus, which was transporting 15 members of a Texas college’s softball team, was being driven by the team’s coach at the time. Four young women between the ages of 18 and 20 died in the crash. Twelve other individuals suffered less serious injuries, with at least two requiring hospitalization. This semi accident has left investigators struggling to put the pieces together as they try to determine an exact cause behind the tragedy.
According to officials, there appeared to be no malfunctions with the truck’s brakes which might have contributed to the crash. There is not yet any proof whether the driver attempted to apply the brakes, although investigators have said the vehicle did not appear to slow as it crossed over the median into opposite-bound traffic. However, definitive proof of whether the brakes were applied will not be available until authorities manage to download information from the semi’s data recorder.
No criminal charges are yet forthcoming against the tractor-trailer’s driver. That doesn’t mean authorities won’t file charges against him in the future. Regardless of whether they do, surviving family members of the women who died may be eligible to file civil lawsuits against the truck driver and his employer. Similarly, those who were injured in the truck accident may find it appropriate to file personal injury claims. These personal injury and wrongful death claims could allow the injured victims and surviving relatives to college financial damages to help cover the losses they have suffered.
Truck driver distraction can leave family members grieving for lost loved ones in the event of a fatal truck accident. Those who are injured or lose loved ones in these types of collisions do have legal options to pursue, however. Please consider contacting my St. Louis personal injury law firm at 1-888-586-7041, toll-free, to find out more. We can schedule a free meeting to discuss the facts of your case and what rights you may have under the law. No one should have to suffer financial damages in addition to emotional or physical injuries in a truck accident. By filing a civil lawsuit, you may be able to recoup any such damages you have incurred.
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Source Article: http://www.katv.com/story/26647463/police-truck-driver-says-distracted-before-crash