St. Peters man killed by runaway truck tire
Brandon Haskin, 24, was killed Monday morning when a loose tractor trailer tire crashed through his windshield.
According to local media reports, Haskin was driving a 2003 Dodge Durango eastbound on I-70 near McKelvey Road at the time of this fatal St. Louis area tractor trailer accident. At the same time in the westbound lanes of the highway, two wheels separated from a 2008 Volvo tractor-trailer, driven by Wayne Knickmeyer, 48. One of the two wheels was sent flying over the median wall and hit Haskin's SUV. Haskin's vehicle then collided with another vehicle driven by Jamie Duboise, 26.
Haskin was pronounced dead at the scene. Duboise was treated for moderate injuries and Knickmeyer was not injured.
Our thoughts are with the family of the victim and the others involved in this tragic incident.
It is important in cases like these to find the cause of the accident and hold those responsible accountable. This is the only way to try and prevent truck tire accidents like this from happening again.
According to investigators quoted in the St. Louis Post Dispatch, the truck had recently been serviced, but the lugnuts on the rear axle likely weren't tightened which allowed the wheels to break free. The question now is to find out who serviced the truck and determine how such a simple, yet important, maintenance issue could have been overlooked. Also, did Knickmeyer follow all federal safety regulations pertaining to vehicle maintenance before he took the truck back on the road?
Tractor trailer crashes can be very complicated and require the attention of an experienced professional. If you or a family member have been involved in an accident and you want to make sure your rights as an accident victim are protected, it would be wise to contact a personal injury attorney with tractor trailer crash experience. Most will offer a free consultation where you can discuss your case with no obligation to hire.
