Tractor trailers are considered by some to be the backbone of the country’s economic system. They are able to transport a large amount of product over long distances in a reasonable amount of time. Most drivers are well-trained and obey the laws governing traffic safety. However, a collision involving a tractor trailer and a personal vehicle can often have devastating consequences. For example, a North Carolina man was recently killed after being struck by one of these vehicles in an accident that could lead to a wrongful death case.
A 73-year-old man driving a pickup truck was traveling north on a North Carolina road on a recent January morning. Reports indicate that a tractor trailer, driven by a 42-year-old man, was traveling in the opposite direction. Police say that the tractor trailer driver swerved to avoid a third vehicle.
Unfortunately, his apparent actions caused him to cross the center line and strike the pickup truck. The pickup driver died at the scene of the accident. The tractor trailer driver was uninjured but now faces criminal charges related to the fatal accident.
The news of the unexpected death of a loved one is often devastating. Unfortunately, while family members try to cope with the emotional loss, the financial burdens created by the accident exacerbate the stresses of the situation. The man’s family members will likely face funeral expenses and, potentially, the loss of the man’s income. In order to try to alleviate the financial burdens related to the accident, the family has the option of filing a wrongful death case. If they can prove the man’s negligence caused the accident, they could receive a financial award to reimburse them for specified damages allowed under North Carolina law.
Source: The Courier-Tribune, One man dead in Chatham County accident, Judi Brinegar, Jan. 11, 2014