Most anyone who has driven on a major road or Interstate can attest to the fact that such travel is dangerous. A truck accident is a fear that most everyone has. Quite possibly, no one knows the danger of these types of accidents more than the actual drivers of the trucks. Two drivers in Louisiana know firsthand the dangers that are inherent to a job involving such large equipment.
Early on a morning in April, an 18-wheeler was traveling west on a Louisiana road. It contained the driver and a passenger. The vehicle was just beginning to go over a hill when a second 18-wheeler attempted to enter the highway from a private road, causing a collision.
Neither occupants of the truck already on the roadway were wearing seat belts. The driver received some injuries, but the passenger was killed as a result of the accident. The driver of the second truck was charged with failure to yield the right of way. However, the incident is still being investigated, leaving the potential for additional charges.
While the old saying that ‘accidents happen’ is true, there is generally at least one party who is at fault that has to take financial responsibility. The injured driver will have medical bills that must be paid, and the deceased driver likely has family who will feel the impact of his death both emotionally and financially. Both have the right to have their case heard in a civil court, and if a Louisiana court determines the injuries and fatality in this truck accident were caused by the negligence of the second truck driver, monetary damages may be awarded for medical, funeral, and compensation for missed work, as appropriate.
Source: kplctv.com, “Opelousas man killed in Vernon Parish crash,” Elona Weston, April 2, 2013
