RADNOR, Pennsylvania- William Kishbaugh, 58, was pronounced dead after a three-vehicle accident that saw Interstate 476 closed for over 10 hours as emergency response crews cleared the vehicles.
According to the state police, Kishbaugh was driving a 2016 Volvo truck approaching slower-moving traffic when the truck switched to the center lane. Upon changing lanes, the truck struck the rear of a utility van, causing the truck to roll onto the driver’s side and eventually cross the median into the northbound lane, colliding with a tractor-trailer.
The driver of the Volvo died in the crash. The driver of the second truck was taken to a local medical center for further evaluation, and the driver of the third vehicle was not injured.
No further information was immediately available.
Multi-truck collision on Interstate 476 left one dead and another injured
Our deepest condolences go to the loved ones of Mr. Kishbaugh. No one should have to worry that they are putting their life on the line when they go to work, and semi-truck drivers are no exception. While a formal investigation is needed to determine the root cause of the accident, there are some all too common scenarios we see in circumstances where semi-truck drivers are killed in collisions.
It is clear the driver of the second truck was wholly innocent and can seek recovery for the injuries and pain he must endure because of this accident. While the driver of the Volvo seems to be fully responsible for this crash, a prudent lawyer will ensure all potential causes of the crash are uncovered before concluding fault rests entirely with a single man.
One of the most frequent causes of accidents involving semi-trucks is improper safety training on the employer’s part. Before allowing drivers to operate a semi-truck, employers must ensure that drivers are given adequate training about the unique safety requirements inherent in operating such a large vehicle on shared roadways. Investigations often reveal that employers fail to administer such training properly and fail to periodically refresh employees on such requirements. This failure puts semi-truck drivers at unnecessary risk, and such a finding may provide Mr. Kishbaugh’s loved ones with a legal remedy.
Alternatively, we know from the facts that Mr. Kishbaugh was operating a relatively new truck. Such trucks are routinely equipped with driver-assist technology intended to warn drivers of slowing traffic, approaching obstacles, and help keep the truck in its lane. Investigations often find that such technology was not working correctly, allowing victims of preventable crashes to recover against the manufacturer.
Additionally, the use of such technology requires its own set of training. If Mr. Kishbaugh’s employer failed to administer such training, that might provide another avenue for legal recourse.
Whatever the cause is determined to be, Mr. Kishbaugh’s loved ones and the injured driver deserve answers and access to our court systems. We extend our condolences to the deceased’s family and offer our support to the injured victim during this time of recovery.
Disclaimer: Information contained in this blog was compiled from third-party sources and has not been independently verified. Please contact our firm immediately with any questions or concerns. This content is not legal advice or counsel.
