A fiery and violent multi-vehicle crash resulted in two fatalities. The terrifying incident occurred on I-94 in Racine County. According to reports from the Racine County Sheriff’s Office, a semi-truck heading southbound made a lane change, but over-corrected and lost control. The truck hit the center wall, which pushed into the northbound lanes of traffic. Several northbound cars hit the wall and another semi-truck swerved to avoid a collision. That semi-truck fell from the highway onto the frontage road. That truck driver was killed in the accident. He is being called heroic for preventing further injuries and deaths.
The accident resulted in an explosion and fire. Witnesses reported seeing a huge fireball and cloud of smoke. The crash left both truck drivers dead and several others injured. The road was closed for many hours following the crash. The accident happened in a construction zone that seems to be particularly dangerous. Drivers traveling in construction zones need to slow down and pay close attention to traffic. It is likely that there were several factors that contributed to this accident.
What Causes Truck Accidents?
There are a variety of factors that can cause or contribute to big-rig accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted a large truck crash causation study. Crash factors generally fall into one of three categories including driver error, mechanical problems and environment conditions. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include speeding, improper lane changes, driving while fatigued, distracted driving and tire or brake defects. In this incident, another factor is the change in traffic pattern that was due to ongoing road construction. Sometimes there are several factors that contribute to crashes. For example, if a driver is fatigued or is texting while driving, he or she may not notice road condition changes until it is too late to stop. We do not know all the factors that caused this particular crash. As with most big-rig accidents, the police and insurance companies will conduct investigations to determine what happened.
What to do After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents like this one are devastating. The victims may be severely hurt and could even suffer long-term disabilities as a result of the crash. The negligent party is responsible for the injuries and damages. Cases such as this can be extremely complicated. It can be difficult to resolve the situation and work with insurance companies to receive fair compensation. The best option is to seek help from an experienced personal injury attorney.
Your lawyer will gather evidence in the case including such things as the police report, video evidence, witness statements, and medical reports. Sometimes you need an accident reconstruction expert to prove your case. A knowledgeable attorney will take charge of your case so you can worry about your health. Your lawyer will work to negotiate a settlement that ensures you get compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitative costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident, do not delay. The law limits the time to file a claim. Call our legal team at Moen Sheehan Meyer, Ltd. to discuss your injuries today.