Drivers of commercial vehicles like semi trucks have a legal obligation to exercise due caution, even in incidents that are unexpected. Travelling with the heavy loads that are typical of tractor-trailers, these drivers are held to a higher standard of safety than drivers of smaller vehicles, and with good reason.
Unfortunately, a tragic crash near Murfreesboro appears to have been caused by a truck driver’s failure to drive safely. The two deceased victims of the eight-vehicle crash were reportedly en route to Manchester’s Bonnaroo music festival. Five other motorists were also injured.
The wreck happened on Interstate 24 after a minor collision slowed traffic. The truck driver who was cited after the crash approached the slowing cars without applying his brakes soon enough, according to police.
The truck collided with a number of vehicles, including another semi truck. Those two large vehicles flipped, and the car occupied by the now deceased motorists caught fire and exploded.
Another car also caught fire, and two occupants of that vehicle were rescued by first responders who were able to douse the flames.
Injurious or fatal trucking accidents can lead to lawsuits against negligent truck drivers or their employers. These cases can be especially complex and require experienced legal support to achieve the best outcome.
Even when an accident seems clearly to be the fault of a truck driver, trucking companies and their insurance companies will do what is in their power to limit payouts or even try to place blame on the victims. Tennessee residents faced with this difficult situation need to be aware of their legal options for holding the responsible party accountable.
Source: spin.com, “Bonnaroo Car Crash Leaves Two Dead, Five Injured After Big Rig Loses Control,” Colin Stutz, June 13, 2013
