A semi-truck driver was unfortunately killed and three other people were hurt in a recent collision between two big rigs on Interstate 75. According to local law enforcement officials, a fire erupted after two tractor-trailers collided head-on in Campbell County near Caryville. A representative for the Tennessee Highway Patrol stated a northbound big rig that was being driven by a 49-year-old Russell Springs man allegedly crossed the median near exit 134 before striking another truck that was headed in the opposite direction. Apparently, the collision resulted in an explosion and chemical fire that forced officers to evacuate the roadway for several hours. Both trucks were reportedly engulfed in flames following the accident.
The afternoon tractor-trailer crash purportedly closed the Interstate in both directions while a hazardous materials crew engaged in what was initially believed to be a radioactive materials clean-up effort. Thankfully, no such materials were discovered by authorities. Sadly, one of the semi-truck drivers died at the scene of the collision. The other driver and two firefighters who responded to the tragic wreck were reportedly transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment. At least one patient was taken to the hospital via Lifestar helicopter. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the exact cause of the fatal collision is still under investigation.
Due to the many state and federal trucking laws and regulations, a tractor-trailer wreck can involve a number of unique pieces of evidence that do not exist in other traffic accident cases, such as maintenance logs, on-board computer information, and driver logs. In addition, the victim of a Knoxville traffic accident that was caused by a semi-truck driver may be entitled to recover monetary damages for his or her lost wages and benefits, medical bills, any temporary or permanent disability that resulted from the truck crash, pain and suffering, and more. Certain relatives of someone who was killed due to a tractor-trailer driver’s negligent act may also be eligible to recover for their family member’s wrongful death.
Since Tennessee is a modified comparative fault accident state, a truck accident victim is only able to recover damages for his or her harm or loss if the individual was less than 50 percent at fault for the crash. Under this system of negligence, an accident victim is not entitled to recover any financial compensation from the party who caused the big rig wreck if he or she was more than 50 percent responsible for the collision or other accident. A skilled Tennessee injury lawyer can explain your right to recover damages in greater detail.
If you suffered a debilitating injury in a crash that was caused by an 18-wheeler, you need a knowledgeable Knoxville truck accident attorney on your side to help you protect your legal rights. The experienced lawyers at the Hartsoe Law Firm, P.C. provide excellent legal representation to clients across Eastern Tennessee. To discuss your case with a veteran attorney, please call the Hartsoe Law Firm, P.C. today at (865) 524-5657 or contact us through our website.
Additional Resources:
1 killed, 3 injured in fiery Campbell County crash on I 75, by Kayla Strayer, wate.com
Fiery head-on semi crash kills Ky truck driver, injures 3, by Alexandra Martellaro, wbir.com
Related Blog Posts:
Knoxville Federal Court Dismisses Time Barred Car Accident Case: Hudson v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., August 27, 2014, Knoxville Injury Lawyer Blog
Knoxville Appeals Court Affirms Damages Award in Farragut Car Accident Lawsuit: Pyle v. Mullins, August 20, 2014, Knoxville Injury Lawyer Blog