CULLMAN COUNTY, Alabama- 58-year-old Ruth A. Bahr was pronounced dead at the scene following an accident where the 2017 Buick Envision she was a passenger in was struck from behind by a 2015 Volvo tractor-trailer. The crash caused the Buick to hit a guardrail.
The Volvo then struck a 2015 Nissan Altima, causing the Nissan to collide with a 2019 Freightliner tractor-trailer. The driver of the Buick and a second passenger in the Buick were injured and transported to local medical centers for treatment. The drivers of the Nissan and the Freightliner were not injured.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division is investigating the cause of the crash.
No further details were immediately available.
The actions of the truck driver must be investigated to determine responsibility
The facts surrounding this multi-vehicle accident show how far-reaching the impacts of highway crashes can be, particularly when tractor-trailers are involved. We want to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Bahr, and we hope they get the answers they deserve in the wake of the loss of their loved one.
Unfortunately, the majority of rear-end collisions are caused by distracted driving. We handle cases across the nation that are entirely preventable had the driver been paying attention to the road. In cases like this, where the accident appears to be completely avoidable, the driver’s actions leading up to the accident must be investigated. Through the litigation process, we can gain access to the driver’s phone records and any other electronic records to determine if the driver was distracted at the time of the crash. Obviously, if the driver was distracted, such actions are negligent, and the deceased’s family would have a right to bring a claim against the driver for such activities.
Alternatively, such a rampant disregard for the safety of others would likely warrant an investigation of the trucking company’s safety and training protocols. While it is unfortunate that drivers must be trained and supervised to ensure safety measures are adhered to, it is the world we live in. Companies must take action to ensure their drivers are adhering to common safety standards. Failure to do is negligence and may subject the company to direct liability for accidents caused by distracted driving. We have found that a company that focuses on safety hires safe drivers, ensures their drivers are adequately trained, and implements processes that ensure their drivers adhere to their training. When a company disregards safety, drivers do as well, and avoidable accidents occur.
I am not trying to point blame without a further investigation. However, a man lost his life in this accident, and an investigation must be conducted to determine all wrongdoing that contributed to his tragic passing.
