When it comes to automotive crashes, not all are equal. In an encounter between a car and a tractor-trailer, there can be little doubt as to which vehicle will typically come out on the losing end. However, even when a driver is in a large commercial tractor-trailer, serious injury can still result. A recent truck accident in Colorado provides an example of the tragic results that can come from a highway collision.
The Colorado State Patrol is investigating an early morning accident that took place in the last week of July. The crash occurred near 2:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 40. There were two vehicles involved, an Audi A4 and a Freightliner tractor-trailer.
The Audi was driven by a 35-year-old man who was travelling west when the car entered the eastbound lane and engaged in a head-on collision with the oncoming tractor-trailer. The truck was driven by a 53-year-old man. The impact killed the driver of the Audi as well as his two passengers. Shortly after impact the tractor-trailer caught on fire. The driver was able to escape the truck but sustained moderate injuries during the crash that required medical attention.
The Colorado State Patrol will continue to investigate this truck accident. If it is determined that the driver of the Audi was responsible for the crash, the truck driver may have grounds to file suit against his estate for damages. Likewise, the surviving families of the deceased passengers in the Audi may entertain wrongful death claims under a similar theory of liability.
Source: Craig Daily Press, “Saturday morning crash claims three people west of Craig,” Joe Moylan, July 29, 2012