Over Fifty Years Of Personal Injury Law Practice

Two killed near Duson as 18-wheeler goes out of control

On Behalf of | Jul 16, 2021 | Truck Accidents

We often take for granted that our trips from point A to point B will go smoothly and we’ll arrive at our destination safely. We use our seat belts and pay attention to our driving. But unfortunately, sometimes that is not enough to protect us from the actions of other drivers.

Two dead and more injured by big rig

Louisiana State Police recently responded to a fatal accident near Duson, involving a Freightliner 18-wheeler and three passenger vehicles. According to reports, the semitruck was traveling eastbound on I-10. Shortly before 8:00 a.m., one of its front tires failed, causing the driver to lose control.

The semitruck initially collided with a pickup truck traveling in the same direction. The semitruck then dragged the pickup truck across the meridian and into westbound traffic. Once in the westbound lanes, the semitruck collided with a second pickup truck and an SUV. The second pickup was pulling a trailer loaded with cattle.

The driver of the SUV was killed, as was a passenger in the westbound pickup truck. Everyone else involved in the accident was transported to nearby hospitals, with injuries ranging from minor to severe. Though toxicology samples were taken, impairment was not suspected as a factor in the collisions.

Determining fault after a truck accident

In an accident such as this, determining fault can be complicated. Did the driver of the semitruck own it himself or was it owned by a shipping company? Who had a duty to inspect the tire that failed and maintain the truck in a safe operating condition? Was the driver an employee or an independent contractor? The answers to these questions, and many more, can affect who will be liable to those who were injured and to the survivors of those who were killed.

Categories

Archives