Paul, Idaho – According to preliminary reports, a 2016 Freightliner semi-truck was traveling westbound when it unexpectedly crossed into the eastbound lanes, colliding with a 2018 Volvo semi-truck.
The Freightliner driver sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the accident site. The driver of the Volvo and his passenger were transported to a nearby hospital by ground ambulance.
The accident occurred shortly before 2:00 a.m.
The cause of a Head-On Collision Needs to Be Determined to Hold All Responsible Accountable
This is a terrible crash that has left one dead and one seriously injured. The law is clear that a motorist who leaves their lane of travel and causes a head-on collision is liable for the injuries caused by such actions. The driver of the Volvo should be provided with compensation for the suffering resulting from their injuries.
However, there needs to be an investigation into the accident to determine exactly what happened. There may be actions outside those of the driver of the Freightliner that caused this collision.
First, the time of the accident, 2:00 a.m., is concerning. This late at night (or early morning) may indicate a tired driver. Many head-on collisions occur because of fatigue. This is why Federal law limits the number of hours a truck driver can drive in a 24-hour period. (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). In addition, truck drivers need to take a 30-minute rest break if they have been driving for more than 8 hours straight (FMCSA). Truck drivers sometimes drive over the legal hours allowed. In addition, some trucking companies allow their drivers to manipulate logs so they can deliver their loads on time.
When these negligent acts happen, trucking companies should be held responsible for the serious injuries and deaths that occur because of their actions. Trucking companies have a duty to create a work culture where regulations are followed and respected. Did the trucking company encourage the driver to drive when it was unsafe to do so? This will need to be investigated.
Additionally, the truck may have left its travel lane for mechanical issues. Truckers have a right to travel in trucks that are in safe working condition. If a company sends a driver out in a truck that is unsafe, the company may have some responsibility for the death of its driver.
It is clear that the driver of the Volvo will have a right to bring a personal injury claim for the suffering caused by his injuries. Identifying all wrongdoing will increase the pool of liable defendants and potentially provide a legal claim for the family of the deceased driver.
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The Ammons Law Firm represents clients nationwide in catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation, with extensive experience in complex auto/tire defect and commercial vehicle cases.
Disclaimer: This post is not legal advice. Information contained in this blog was compiled from third-party sources or is the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if false or misleading information is contained in this post.
