On August 23, 2018, a crash involving a semi gas tanker and a Mazda Miata killed one driver. Police say this crash happened in Louisville on I-264.
According to WDRB.com, this fatal accident occurred at 10:30AM on the Watterson Expressway near Bardstown Road. Allegedly, the tanker was attempting to merge into the right lane from the center when it struck the back of the Mazda. Both vehicles were heading east.
The force of the crash pushed the Mazda into another vehicle in the eastbound lane. Sadly, the Mazda driver was pronounced dead at the scene. At the time of this article, authorities were still investigating the cause of this tragic crash.
Truck Fatalities & Regulations In USA
Most trucks on the roads nowadays weigh at least 20 times more than cars. It should come as no shock, therefore, that the risk of death and serious injury is extremely high for car drivers and passengers involved in crashes with tanker trucks, especially when they’re rear-ended by one.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that over 3,000 Americans lose their lives each year in crashes involving trucks. About 66 percent of these fatalities were either drivers or passengers in cars, and another 16 percent were pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
One of the major problems with truck accidents is that most trucks can’t stop quickly. Failure to keep a safe distance, poor weather and driver’s fatigue are also major contributors to fatal trucker accidents.
In the USA, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) handles all trucking regulations. For a complete list of trucker regulations, you can take a look at this FAQ page put together by the FMCSA or view an electronic Code of Federal Regulation on this website.
Injured in A Truck Crash? Contact a Lawyer.
Even if you’re fortunate enough to make it out of a truck accident alive, you’ll most likely need serious medical attention. For help navigating the legal system after your a crash, give the lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC a call. While we’ve handled truck cases all over the state, even if you don’t call us, do call a reputable injury lawyer with experience litigating truck accident claims after any major wreck who will keep your best interests in mind.
In the event a trucker caused a wreck, the burden of proof is on the injured party (or the family of a loved one) to prove that the offending driver is at fault for the accident because of recklessness or negligence.
Whether you’re seeking damages for time lost at work, medical expenses, or wrongful death, if you contact us for a free consultation you will speak directly to one of our seasoned attorneys. You can reach Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC by calling (800) 937-8443.
