Truck accident kills 1, injures 3 after truck was hit from behind

Accidents involving large trucks can be more devastating than those involving smaller vehicles due to their size, weight and force. While a truck accident can happen due to the negligence of the truck driver, it is important to remember that a truck driver is also susceptible to injury due to the negligence of another party. Recently, a truck accident on Highway 45 near South Fulton appears to demonstrate just that.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, a Department of Transportation Freightliner truck had been patching holes along Highway 45 when a passenger car struck the truck from behind. The force of the impact caused the rear axle of the truck to be pushed forward. The driver of the dump truck, a 56-year-old man, was injured in the accident, though reports do not detail the exact nature or extent of his injuries. His passenger, a 55-year-old woman was also injured.

The driver of the car, a 36-year-old woman died at the scene. Her passenger, her 4-year-old daughter, was airlifted to a local hospital. Witnesses stated that the child, who was restrained in the back seat during the accident, was found in the front seat after the collision. So far, the investigation into this accident continues and no charges have been filed. It is unclear what led to this accident or whether other factors may have been involved.

While the cause for this truck accident remains unclear, what is clear is that the devastation in this case abounds. For the two people in the truck that were injured, they may find themselves facing lengthy recovery periods, depending on the extent of their injuries. This recovery period can lead to lost wages, medical expenses and other financial and emotional difficulties.

Fortunately, under Tennessee’s personal injury laws, anyone injured in a truck accident due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, may be able to seek compensation for their financial losses against that party. In this case, the injured victims may seek damages through civil claims against the estate of the deceased driver that struck the truck. Tragic accidents like this one are difficult for everyone involved, though successfully navigated personal injury claims can provide much needed compensation for those injured as they move beyond an accident.

Source: nwtntoday.com, “Tragic accident claims SF woman,” April 23, 2013