On Sunday, there was a deadly semi truck crash in Cimarron County, Oklahoma. According to KSWO ABC News Channel Seven, the collision took the life of an Elgin woman. At about 12:40 p.m., 46-year-old Lana P. Carlton was headed south on Highway 287, when a semi truck driver crossed the centerline and struck her car.
Elgin Woman Killed in Semi Truck Crash
The truck driver was reportedly reaching for a bottle of water when the big rig crossed into the oncoming lane. Carlton was pinned in her vehicle for about a half hour, before she was rushed to a Boise City hospital. Sadly, she died as a result of her injuries. She was wearing a seatbelt at the time. The truck driver and his passenger did not report any injuries.
Crashes Involving Semi Trucks
Wrecks involving semi trucks are often devastating for drivers and occupants in traditional passenger vehicles. Commercial trucks are so much larger and heavier than other cars and light trucks on the road. Catastrophic and fatal injuries are common occurrences when accidents involve big rigs.
Distracted Big Rig Drivers
Traditional passenger occupant motorists aren’t the only ones who are texting while driving or engaging in other types of distracted behaviors behind the wheel. Semi truck drivers are distracted too. Distracted driving is dangerous no matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving, but the larger and heavier the vehicle, the more damage it can inflict. Anytime a driver takes his or her attention away from the task of driving, everybody is put at risk.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Commercial trucking company owners and big rig drivers have additional rules and regulations to follow to keep the roads safe for all users. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the department tasked with regulating the large trucking industry. From data and analysis to regulatory compliance and enforcement, the FMCSA aims at improving safety for truck drivers and other motorists on U.S. roadways.
What to do After a Semi Truck Accident
Since truck drivers have to follow an additional set of rules and regulation for safe operation, truck accident cases are often more complicated than traditional car accident cases. Speaking with a lawyer is your first step. Your lawyer will need stay on top of investigative details from multiple agencies. The team at the Altman Legal Group sends their deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Lana P. Carlton.