Rear-End Collision Involving Two 18-Wheelers Kills One

According to KWTX, a fiery wreck between two big rigs resulted in one fatality earlier this month. State troopers determined that a 32-year-old man was traveling south on Interstate 45 at around 4:20 a.m. when his 18-wheeler crashed into the back of another tractor-trailer.

The other trucker, a 45-year-old man, had been attempting to merge onto the highway when the tragic incident occurred. The younger driver was still in his vehicle when it burst into flames. Troopers claim the trucker whose vehicle had been struck tried to put out the blaze with a fire extinguisher, but his attempts to save the man were unsuccessful.

Authorities closed the highway for several hours to clear the wreckage. The collision remains under investigation.

Unfortunately, crashes that involve one or more 18-wheelers are often devastating because of the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. When truckers behave negligently and a collision results, accident victims can hold them financially liable for their damages. If you were hurt in a truck wreck, turn to the Cooper Law Firm.

Attorney N. Eric Cooper will evaluate the circumstances of your collision to determine if you may be entitled to compensation. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident attorney in Jefferson.

How Can Commercial Drivers Avoid Rear-End Collisions?

Even at low speeds, rear-end collisions involving big rigs can be catastrophic. When a truck hits another vehicle, the force of impact is so much greater than when a sedan or even an SUV does because the truck weighs so much more. Commercial drivers can avoid causing rear-end crashes by:

• Maintaining plenty of stopping distance;
• Traveling at a speed that is safe for the current road conditions;
• Remaining alert, awake, and sober at all times;
• Eliminating distractions like eating and drinking when behind the wheel;
• Ensuring the weight of their cargo is distributed evenly;
• Checking their blind spots before making any lane changes or turns; and
• Driving defensively.

Passenger vehicle motorists can also play a role in preventing rear-end truck accidents. For example, they should avoid cutting off tractor-trailers in traffic. Big rigs need considerably more stopping distance than small cars, and motorists should always keep this in mind when changing lanes in front of a truck.

Unfortunately, even if you exercise additional caution around commercial drivers, you cannot rely on them to do the same around you. Trucking is a demanding profession, and even the most experienced drivers can fall victim to distractions or make errors that ultimately result in a collision.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck crash, your family may be able to recover a settlement that includes compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical bills, and other damages. To determine if you have grounds for a claim, contact the Cooper Law Firm today.

Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free case evaluation with a truck accident lawyer in Jefferson. You can learn more about 18-wheeler accident claims by visiting USAttorneys.com.