A Massachusetts’ tractor trailer driver recently pleaded guilty to causing a chain-reaction accident that resulted in the death of a 41-year old woman. The 24-year old driver recently pleaded guilty to misdemeanor negligent homicide in the multi-vehicle accident. The victim was also from Massachusetts. The tractor trailer driver crashed into the back of the victim’s SUV which caused the SUV to be crushed and catch fire.
Nine other people were hospitalized as a result of the semi-truck accident. According to police, the truck driver did not have drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of the accident; he was sentenced to time served following his guilty plea, as the driver had been held on $150,000 bond since last summer.
Truck accidents can wreak havoc in the lives of victims and family members of victims killed as a result of a truck accident. Because of the obvious size disparity commercial trucks present on the roadways, the potential for serious injuries and death as a result of truck accidents can be significant. Victims, and families of victims killed in an 18-wheeler accident, may have a claim for the damages suffered.
Either a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit may be brought against a truck driver, and in some instances a truck company, when a victim has been wrongfully injured or killed as a result of the negligence of a truck driver. Commonly, citations or criminal charges issued in relation to an accident are considered evidence of negligence. A successful claim for negligence may allow victims, and family members of victims, to recover for a variety of different types of damages victims may have suffered.
Truck accidents can bring with them significant harm into the lives of victims and family members of victims. A trained personal injury attorney can help victims, and family members of victims, evaluate the damages suffered and better understand the process of bringing a claim for the same.
Source: New Haven Register, “Guilty plea for Mass. trucker following fatal Conn. accident,” Jan. 10, 2014
