Without the trucking industry, freight hauling would look very different in this country, and for that, truck drivers deserve thanks. However, this need doesn’t absolve them or trucking companies from making sure they follow strict safety guidelines to keep other motorists safe. When truck accidents happen, they are more likely to result in serious injury or death due to the size of the vehicles involved, so it is imperative that big rigs be operated in a safe manner. Oklahoma police are working to determine whether proper safety protocols were followed in a recent fatal multi-vehicle crash that they may have been the fault of a trucker.
Reports say that this collision happened on a recent late morning in the southbound lanes of Interstate 35. Several vehicles had slowed for construction, causing a bit of traffic congestion. Police say that a tractor-trailer failed to slow for traffic and hit two other semi-trucks, an SUV and a passenger truck. The driver of passenger truck reportedly fell from his vehicle and died as a result of his injuries.
Though the driver of the tractor trailer blamed for this crash needed treatment, he has since been released from the hospital. No one else sustained any injuries. Officers say that their initial investigation suggests that inattentive driving is to blame for this five-car crash, though they have not stated whether any criminal charges are forthcoming.
Even if officers decide not to press charges, the family of the man who died may have another legal option often available to those who’ve lost loved ones to truck accidents. They could choose to file a wrongful death claim in civil court with the aim of securing monetary damages. Should such a claim be successful, it could offer the family stability at a time in their lives where things may feel very uncertain. A personal injury attorney here in Oklahoma can help those in this type of situation determine their next steps.
