Accidents involving big rigs are often deadlier than normal car accidents. The sheer size and power of semi-trucks gives them the potential to be deadly weapons and, because of this, truck drivers bear a solemn responsibility to the public to exercise the utmost care in their operation.
Unfortunately that’s not always the case. Every day there are reports of tractor trailer accidents involving truck drivers who fell asleep at the wheel, drove while intoxicated, or were distracted by a cellphone.
Louisiana State Police Troop A are investigating an accident in which four 18-wheelers collided on Interstate 10 in Iberville Parish. The crash took place May 3 around 5 p.m. on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge when one semi-truck, driven by a couple from Ohio, failed to stop at a congested area on the highway. Their truck slammed into the back of another 18-wheeler, starting a chain reaction that ultimately involved three other semis.
Two of the trucks caught fire and were completely consumed by the flames. Another 18-wheeler’s trailer came free and slid over the guardrail, falling to an area below the highway.
The couple who caused the crash were both killed. One other driver suffered minor injuries. All three of the other drivers were wearing seat belts and successfully passed Breathalyzer tests.
Investigators are not sure whether either of the deceased drivers were wearing seat belts. A toxicology report is forthcoming.
Miraculously, no one in a car was injured, but distracted and inattentive driving are still the foremost cause of crashes in Louisiana and when a truck driver does it, the consequences can be devastating.
In such cases, the liability often lies with large truck companies who have the power and money to fight cases of negligence. Having a Louisiana personal injury attorney on your side may be the only way to see justice done.
Source: kmsstv.com, “Fiery crash on I-10 involving multiple 18-wheelers leaves 2 dead,” May 3, 2014
