WRAL has reported that a highway remained closed for almost two days following a fatal tractor-trailer crash on Interstate 85 near Exit 165 in Hillsborough, NC.
Officials say the truck driver was traveling southbound on I-95 when they allegedly lost control of the large truck going off the road and striking a beam of the bridge. The 18-wheeler carrying a load of chickens overturned and was quickly engulfed in flames. The driver died in the fiery crash, and officials are still investigating.
Attorney contributor Kristen Beightol is an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer in North Carolina. Kristen recently discussed the legal options available for victims injured or killed in tractor-trailer collisions.
"The number of accidents involving commercial trucks is on the rise, but unfortunately, not much is being done to improve driving safety regulations. Given the large size of the trucks, the long hours that drivers are on the road, and the failure of some drivers to abide by speed limits in order to meet deadlines, it is no wonder that crashes occur so often. The impact of these crashes can be immense."
"It is vital for all truck accidents to be investigated. Not only will this investigation determine what caused the accident, but may shed light on what can be done to prevent another one. Many times truck manufacturers are aware of ongoing safety issues that may cause accidents to be more severe. If a company fails to make adjustments or issue necessary recalls, it can be held accountable for injuries or deaths related to the issue."
"Truck accident victims and their families too often find themselves facing unexpected medical expenses, long-term rehabilitation costs due to severe injury and disability, lost wages due to missed days at work, and other losses resulting from commercial truck accidents. Victims and their families might be offered settlements from insurance companies, but they may not always know what their claim could be worth. A truck accident attorney can review the details of the case, estimate the value of the losses and fight insurance companies and truck manufacturing companies to help victims or their families get the compensation they deserve. They can help to determine all parties that may be held liable for the damages and hold them accountable."