Law enforcement authorities reported that three people, including a 10-year-old boy, were killed, and eight others injured in a crash on U.S. 52 North on Oct. 30. The accident reportedly occurred around 2:30 p.m. near the Westinghouse Road exit in a construction zone in Rural Hall.
According to reports, a semi-truck driver failed to slow down as he neared the construction zone, where traffic in front of him was backed up and stopped. The semi-truck allegedly first hit a van and then four other passenger vehicles from the rear. A 13-year-old boy in the van was in critical condition following the six-vehicle collision.
Eight people from the five vehicles were taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries. The accident occurred where the highway lanes were being merged into a single lane. Following the accident, debris from the vehicles covered the roadway. The semi-truck driver escaped without injury. In addition to the three killed and eight injured, another person was also treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Many people are injured or killed each year in car accidents caused by inattentive or distracted drivers. Negligent drivers who cause the death or injury of another person may face civil liability for their actions. When those drivers are also driving a truck or commercial vehicle in the course of their employment at the time of the accidents, their employers may also face liability. Families of those killed may recover by filing wrongful death lawsuits. They may benefit by consulting with a personal injury attorney who accepts wrongful death cases. He or she can help by identifying all potential defendants and claims. An attorney may then file a civil complaint on behalf of the family and negotiate with insurance companies and other attorneys.
Source: News & Record, “Rural Hall crash kills 3, injures 8“, John Hinton, October 31, 2014