Fatal accidents demonstrate importance of using caution near tractor trailers
Two fatal tractor trailer accidents in the past week have become tragic reminders that drivers must use caution when driving near tractor trailers.
The first accident occurred on Monday when Missouri Southern State University student Tyler Tuthill, 22, was killed while driving in Oklahoma. He was behind a tractor trailer as it was approaching a construction zone. The truck slowed down, but Tuthill didn't and crashed into the back of the trailer.
We have previously commented on the number of accidents involving both tractor trailers and construction zones.
The second accident happened in Springfield, Missouri and took the life of an 42-year-old Amish farmer, Edward Kropf. Kropf was riding in a pickup truck with his brother when the pickup ran a red light. The pickup pulled directly in front of a tractor-trailer, which crashed into the side of the pickup, killing Kropf.
Tractor trailer crashes are usually more severe due to the extreme forces involved due to their size. Drivers have to be especially cautious when they know a big rig is present. In fact, most tractor trailer crashes are caused by other vehicles hitting or pulling into the path of a tractor trailer.
There are other times when the accident is caused by a negligent truck driver or trucking company who violates a Federal motor carrier regulation. In these cases, it is important to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible so that no evidence is lost.
