On Thursday morning, a semi-truck crash on U.S. 287 had northbound traffic backed up in Jolly. The crash happened at about 7:40 a.m. on northbound 287, near Fisher Road. According to KDFX News Channel Three, a wrecker truck towing a vehicle switched lanes and struck the back end of a tractor trailer. Both the 18-wheeler and the wrecker truck went into a ditch beside the roadway. The semi-truck flipped onto its side and went up in flames. Traffic was backed up as crews worked the scene. Very little information has been released about the potential victims of this crash.
NHTSA’s 18-Wheeler Crash Causation Study
In 2006, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in conjunction with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted a study about causation factors in crashes involving semi trucks. A variety of data was analyzed including information about driver age, number of hours driving, road profile, crash type and types of vehicle involved. Additionally, weather factors, critical reasons and critical events were also analyzed to determine causation in the crashes studied in this report. Inadequate surveillance (failed to look, or looked but did not see) was recorded for 12 percent of large trucks and 10 percent of other vehicles in crashes involving critical reasons for large truck crash causation.
Crashes Involving Commercial Trucking Vehicles
Crashes involving commercial trucking vehicles can be incredibly devastating for other motorists involved. Semi trucks are much larger and heavier than traditional passenger occupant vehicles, and some trucks carry volatile chemicals. Also, the commercial trucking industry has additional rules and regulations to follow for safe roadway use. It’s a good idea to speak with an attorney who has experience with commercial trucking accidents after a wreck. It may be necessary to follow up with a variety of different regulatory agencies and law enforcement departments to find out of a driver or trucking company was violating a commercial trucking regulation or rule.
After a Wreck Involving a Semi Truck
After a crash involving a tractor trailer, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Crashes involving large trucks often have additional regulations and rules to consider. An attorney can track down important information for your case and stay on top of official investigative developments. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a tractor trailer, contact the experienced team at the Altman Legal Group at 940-761-4000 for a free consultation today.