Reports of semi truck accidents happen all too frequently. We would like to think we are relatively safe while out on the roads and that if we practice safe driving techniques that we can avoid being involved in a serious accident.
But reports of semi truck and tractor trailer accidents can shatter that illusion. Just like other drivers, semi truck drivers can be affected by distractions, tire blowouts, equipment malfunction, etc. But with massive semi trucks the stakes are much higher and it is important that truck drivers and the trucking companies that employ them feel the weight of this responsibility. While it is necessary that all drivers are safe and careful when operating a vehicle, truck drivers should be even more careful. The potential for an accident to result in fatalities is much greater when it involves a huge semi truck.
In Arizona on Thursday near Gilbert Road just north of Mesa on Arizona 87, two people were injured in a semi truck accident. Authorities reported that the two individuals involved in the accident had been in the semi truck when it rolled over, and they needed to be taken to the to the Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center.
Raul Garcia, a public information officer with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, said that the southbound lanes at Shea Boulevard were closed around 9:15 a.m. And the northbound lanes around Gilbert road also needed to be closed, but were reopened later on.
Crews from the Department of Public Safety hazardous materials crew had to be send out to clean up the diesel fuel that had spilled from the semi truck onto the roadways. Responders from the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Salt River Police Department were also sent to handle the rollover accident, according to Garcia.
Earlier in the summer, in Renton, Washington, a semi truck on Interstate 405 overturned, blocking the southbound lanes. The truck had been carrying several thousand pounds of bread. There were several vehicles involved and drivers were understandably shaken, but no serious injuries were sustained, thankfully.
Before rolling over, the semi truck collided with three passenger vehicles. State trooper Karim Boukabou reported that the 29 year old driver of the semi truck, a man from Olympia, was at fault for causing the accident. The truck rolled onto its side and blocked all four of the busy freeway lanes. According to drivers following behind the semi truck, it looked like the driver did not brake for traffic that had slowed in front of him. The truck then veered toward the shoulder and overcorrected by steering back across the four lanes of traffic, rolling over.
According to Boukabou, the accident could be attributed to the semi truck driver being distracted. The driver was cited for second degree negligent driver and fined $550.
Alison Pahl’s SUV was hit by the truck before it rolled, but she was just thankful that the driver did what he could to avoid hitting her head on.
Lewis Hendrickson’s vehicle was also hit by debris flying from the truck but was also just relieved that the crash resulted in no serious injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi truck accident, getting in touch with an experienced truck accident attorney should be a top priority. Accident victims should contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss legal options.
