The majority of tractor trailer drivers are well-trained, safety-oriented individuals. However, due to the large size of the vehicles they drive, an accident involving a tractor trailer can quickly lead to serious injury or even death. The family of three victims killed in an accident caused by a tractor trailer could consider filing a wrongful death case against the driver recently sentenced due to his involvement in a North Carolina accident.
The accident occurred almost two years ago. Reports indicate that traffic had recently stopped. The line of traffic had recently begun moving slowly when a 52-year-old truck driver slammed into the back of a pickup truck. Police state the tractor trailer driver was traveling at 65 miles per hour at the time of the collision.
The impact caused a chain reaction accident that involved four vehicles. Three people died as a result. Police claim the driver was driving under the influence of the drugs. He was recently sentenced to 11 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to drug and manslaughter charges.
While the sentence may bring some closure to the families of the deceased victims, such accidents can create unexpected financial obstacles. In addition to funeral expenses and medical bills, the victims’ family members may also have to cope with loss of wages and other monetary ramifications. Many people in a similar situation have chosen to file a wrongful death case in a North Carolina civil court. If the families prove the truck driver’s negligence caused the accident, a claim supported by his recent guilty plea, the court may award them monetary damages to help cope with certain expenses related to the accident.
Source: wncn.com, Trucker gets more than 11 years in 2011 I-40 wreck that killed 3, No author, Oct. 30, 2013