A 67-year-old Columbus, Ohio, man was killed when his Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme was rear-ended by a semi-trailer. The accident happened in the early morning hours of August 11, on Interstate 71 in Morrow County. Both vehicles were traveling northbound when the driver of the semi truck struck the Oldsmobile, forcing it off the road. The driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene. Ohio State Highway Patrol officers are still investigating the cause of the accident, but reported that alcohol did not appear to be a factor.
Truck accidents have been on the rise over the past two decades, with an increase of approximately 20 percent, according to The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These accidents are particularly devastating, as the size and weight of large trucks tend to cause greater damage and injury to those involved than ordinary auto accidents.
What causes truck accidents?
Semi-trailer accidents may happen due to a number of different factors. However, just as with car accidents, the most common cause is driver error. Despite the fact that truck drivers are specifically trained to handle the demands of driving, they still make mistakes just like everyone else. The difficulty of operating a large truck magnified these errors and often a small mistake — not braking in time or going around a bend a little too quickly — may result in an accident.
The second most common cause of truck crashes is equipment failure. This can include defective equipment as well as improperly maintained equipment, such as brakes or tires. The FMCSA requires the trucks undergo regular inspections to be sure that all trucking equipment is in good working condition. However, often trucking companies ignore these regulations or fail to schedule timely inspections and defective gear slips under the radar.
Finally, issues in loading the trailer can cause trucking accidents. Overloaded or unbalanced loads can cause issues with balance and handling, causing tractor-trailers to overturn or drivers to lose control when turning or changing lanes. These problems can cause major accidents, injuring or killing both truck drivers as well as other motorists on the road.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck crash, work with a dedicated Ohio semi-trailer accident lawyer with Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen LPA, Co.