Semi-trucks that are in the hands of drivers who aren’t paying attention to what is going on around them can be deadly weapons. The sheer size and weight of these trucks are huge factors when it comes to how other vehicles on the road fare when an accident with a semi occurs. One truck driver from Wisconsin is now facing charges in another state for a fatal accident that occurred while he was driving a semi-truck in January of 2013.
The 51-year-old truck driver was allegedly driving around 50 mph when his semi-truck rammed into a line of five cars that was moving slowly. There were no signs of the man trying to stop. Two people died as a result of the accident.
This wasn’t the trucker’s first accident. According to the investigation, he was involved in two previous accidents. One of those accidents occurred approximately two weeks before this fatal crash.
According to the indictment for the fatal accident, the trucker consciously disregarded the harm that could result from his actions. He was charged with criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, failure to yield, speeding, disregarding a lighted signal and following too closely. It is unclear if he has been served with the indictment.
Semi-truck drivers who share the roadways with other vehicles have a duty to drive safely. When these drivers blatantly disregard that duty, serious or fatal injuries can occur to others on the roadways. If you have lost a loved one because of the reckless actions of another driver on the road, obtaining the assistance of an experienced Wisconsin wrongful death attorney may help you learn about seeking for damages and claims resulting from the accident.
Source: The Van Wert Independant, “Trucker charged in Ind. crash that killed Convoy woman” No author given, Jan. 11, 2014
