It isn’t hard to understand why drivers of large commercial trucks are subject to safety regulations that don’t necessarily apply to other drivers. The size, weight and speed of a tractor-trailer significantly increase the risk of a catastrophic accident. Still, truck drivers often fail in their duty of care to protect other motorists from injury, and that appears have been the case recently in Georgia.
An accident involving two pickup trucks and a tractor-trailer has taken one man’s life and injured another. According to a news report, one of the pickup drivers slowed down and stopped on a highway in Barrow County as a mower straddled the lane of traffic, preventing the truck from passing. The second pickup driver slowed down behind the first one, which was pulling a trailer at the time.
As the second pickup slowed down, a tractor-trailer approached from behind and collided with the second pickup. The impact knocked the second pickup into the back of the first one.
The 44-year-old man driving the first pickup was injured and taken to a local hospital. Sadly, the 29-year-old man driving the second pickup died.
Now the tractor-trailer driver has been charged with homicide by vehicle. He was also cited for following too closely. He and his employer may also be subject to civil claims of personal injury and wrongful death if the injured man and the family of the deceased man exercise their rights.
Truck drivers must comply with federal regulations to avoid fatigue and distractions. If you have been injured because of a truck driver’s negligence, then an attorney with experience in handling truck accident claims can help you build a case.
Source: 11 Alive, “Driver charged after fatal accident in Barrow Co.,” Michael King, June 5, 2014