David Hudgins killed in rollover crash on icy US 127 roadway

JACKSON COUNTY, Mich. —53-year-old Brooklyn resident David Hudgins died Jan. 1 after he lost control of a 1999 Dodge Ram truck on U.S. Route 127.

David Hudgins lost control of the vehicle at about 8:30 a.m. in between Page Avenue and South Street, according to local officials. The vehicle traveled through the median, rolled over, and landed in the southbound lanes of US 127.

The truck driver died at the scene of the accident. No other people nor vehicles were involved.

The crash remains under investigation by the Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety Accident Reconstruction Team. No additional details about factors that may have contributed to the accident.

Commentary on the fatal rollover accident in Jackson County, Michigan

A vehicle manufacturer is charged with a duty to construct vehicles that can withstand likely and foreseeable accidents. The science underpinning this duty is known as crashworthiness. A manufacturer that fails to produce a crashworthy vehicle is liable for any harm caused by the vehicle’s design deficiencies. Rollover accidents are highly foreseeable, and manufacturers are charged with providing consumers vehicles that can withstand such events. 

I am not suggesting that all harm sustained in rollover accidents is the fault of auto manufacturers. I am contacted on a regular basis by victims whose injuries could have been prevented had available safety features been utilized. However, when the vehicle’s available safety features are utilized and serious harm still occurs, a detailed investigation should be conducted to determine whether the manufacturer failed to provide a crashworthy vehicle.

I extend my deepest condolences to Mr. David Hudgins family and hope they find solace during this heart-wrenching time of mourning.

Disclaimer: All information contained within this post was compiled from public sources or constitutes the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if you identify any false or misleading information.