It might come as no surprise to many that driving a truck is more difficult than driving most other forms of motor vehicles. This is because of the size and weight of the truck. When braking, it takes more time to stop and when turning, it takes more space and time to maneuver. Trucks also have bigger blind spots, which is why motor vehicle drivers are advised to maintain a bigger space between vehicles. A crash with a truck, especially an 18-wheeler, can be catastrophic, especially for motorists whose car is smaller in size and more likely to become damaged, injuring those inside.
The dangers of a truck accident are illustrated by the deadly crash that occurred in Louisiana recently. 11 vehicles were involved in the crash that killed one and injured at least 17 other people. Of those, three were in critical condition as of the last report.
According to investigators, a 56-yeat-old man failed to stop his 18-wheeler when traffic was stopped on the interstate due to another crash. When he failed to stop, he initiated a chain reaction accident that resulted in 11 other vehicles crashing. Police have arrested the man and filed a number of criminal charges against him, but they do not believe he was under the influence of drugs or drunk. Instead, they attribute the accident to distracted driving and advise drivers once again that unless they pay attention on the road, a distracted driver can change the lives of everyone on the road in just one instant.
Distracted driving is entirely preventable. Had the driver paid more attention, this recent crash most likely could have been avoided. While nothing can make up for the loss an accident victim or their family has suffered in a truck accident, accountability and compensation for medial bills and funeral expenses may be recoverable through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
