An early morning crash involving two semi trucks and a pickup truck sent at least one man to the hospital. The crash happened on Thursday after 1:00 a.m. on 287 near the exit for 369. According toKDFX News Channel Three, the Jaws of Life were needed to free a driver from his pickup truck. The driver of a Dodge Ram allegedly clipped a semi truck, while travelling northbound. The driver then lost control of his truck, hit a median, went airborne and struck another oncoming big rig. His pickup truck came to rest on its side near the eastbound lane.
After the driver was freed from his truck, he was transported to United Regional Hospital for treatment of injuries. KFDX News Channel Three reports that the driver was conscious when he was transported to the hospital, but they did not comment on the extent of his injuries or his current condition. Additionally, there is no word on whether or not the drivers of the semi trucks were injured. The cause of this crash is still under investigation, but deputies have tentatively stated that they don’t think alcohol was involved.
Just the Facts: Big Rig Crashes
- In 2000, 4,930 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes across the U.S.
- 101,000 large trucks were involved in injury-causing crashes in 2000.
- More than half of all large-truck crash fatalities occurred on non-divided two-lane roadways.
- Speed limits of 55 miles per hour or higher, poor weather conditions and curved roads can significantly increase the potential for a rollover and jackknife during semi truck crashes.
Crashes involving Semi Trucks
Semi trucks and big rig trailers can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds. They can’t stop on a dime or navigate roadway hazards as quickly as smaller vehicles. Crashes involving semi trucks can often be quite devastating for drivers and passenger occupants in smaller vehicles. Big rigs are much larger and heavier than traditional passenger vehicles, so they may not sustain as much damage as other vehicles involved in crashes.
After a Crash Involving a Semi Truck
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving an 18-wheeler, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Truck-accident victims may be facing lengthy recovery periods and lots of time off from work. Victims need to focus on feeling better and getting back to their normal lives. The last thing you should think about is how you’re going to pay for expensive medical bills.