Weekend Trucking Accident Kills Springfield Man
A tragic weekend truck crash in Missouri left a Springfield man dead after his vehicle hit a Freightliner head-on. In what is noted to be the first fatality of 2011, Joseph W. Russell, 31, was driving in the westbound lane of I-44, about half a mile west of Springfield when the accident occurred. Mr. Russell was driving a Ford Edge in this Missouri tractor-trailer crash which claimed his life. The collision caused both vehicles to spin into the median, catching fire. The driver of the Freightliner, Douglas Carmack, 31, was uninjured, however Mr. Russell was pronounced dead at the scene. Reports from the Missouri Highway Patrol state that both drivers were wearing their seatbelts. At this time no tickets have been issued, and the accident is still under investigation.
Our Missouri personal injury truck lawyers extend our sympathies to Mr. Russell’s family. Although the exact cause of this tractor-trailer accident is not yet known, further investigation may reveal contributing factors. If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious truck accident, and you believe the accident may have been caused by driver negligence, our tractor-trailer personal injury attorneys are always available for free consultations. Our Green County, Missouri personal injury lawyers are experienced and dedicated; we are always up-to-date regarding legislation, laws, rules and regulations affecting the trucking industry. Although overly fatigued truck drivers are reported to be responsible for at least 20 percent of accidents involving big rigs, it does not appear to have been a factor in this particular accident. Keep in mind, however, that over 50% of long-haul truck drivers admit to having fallen asleep at the wheel, so our injury lawyers remind you to remain alert when driving, and keep an especially close eye on the big rigs which share the road.
