A tragic tractor-trailer accident in Tennessee has made national headlines after 18 people were injured or killed. The crash is also raising concerns about what exactly caused the collision. Although investigations are still underway, many are alarmed by the fact that the tractor-trailer collided with stopped traffic.
Here are some additional details about the crash:
- The crash took place on Thursday, June 25th when, according to authorities, a tractor-trailer plowed into 8 vehicles stopped on I-75 due to construction.
- A total of 18 people were involved in the collision, six of whom were killed. Four passengers, including two children, were killed in one vehicle that caught fire after the wreck. Another two victims in separate vehicles also died.
- The crash is one of the highest fatality wrecks in the area in the past decade, according to officials. Eyewitness accounts stated that the tractor-trailer was unable to stop when approaching the traffic jam and was “mowing down” vehicles.
Local officials have commented on the alarming and tragic nature of the crash, and will now shift their focus to determining what caused the collision. As of yet, it is still unclear why the truck driver did not stop when approaching the traffic jam. However, the situation does have similarities to a fatal wreck involving comedian Tracy Morgan last year. In that case, it was discovered that the truck driver who rear-ended Morgan’s limo had been awake for over 24 hours at the time of the crash.
At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., we know these truck accidents make headlines due to their sensational nature – but we also believe this publicity can raise awareness about the need for improving safety on our roadways, especially in regard to commercial tractor-trailers. As was the case with the Tracy Morgan tractor-trailer accident, this crash may also help highlight the importance of federal trucking regulations, including regulations that concern:
- Tired drivers – Fatigued drivers are a danger to everyone on the road, especially when at the wheel of large commercial trucks. Hours-of-Service rules are federal truck regulations that limit the amount of time truck drivers can be on the road and on the clock.
- Driver Safety – Driver error is a common factor in all types of auto accidents. To reduce these risks, the federal government enforces numerous rules and regulations to promote driver safety, including training requirements, driving record checks, and drug and alcohol testing.
- Vehicle maintenance – There are strict rules in place for regularly maintaining and repairing commercial vehicles. Trucks that have problems with brakes, for example, place everyone on the road at risk.
If you have questions about tractor-trailer accidents, federal trucking laws, and how our firm may be able to help you recover compensation after an accident, contact us today.
