Four people, including two adults and two children no older than age 15, lost their lives in a collision with a tractor-trailer on West Virginia Turnpike in Mercer County. The four victims were in the mini-van when it was hit by a tractor-trailer after it crossed the median near the Camp Creek exit, according to wsaz.com.
Investigators indicated that the operator of the tractor-trailer lost control and crossed through the median into traffic on the northbound side. The tractor-trailer overturned after the wreck and burst into flames.
Deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of the victims. This accident is a prime example of just how devastating a collision can be when a commercial tractor-trailer is involved.
Deadly collisions involving large commercial trucks occur, on average, nearly 11 times each day in the United States. In addition, close to 4,000 people die each year in wrecks involving commercial trucks, according to CNBC.com. In addition to thousands of fatalities, over 100,000 people suffer severe injuries in commercial truck wrecks every year. And the statistics are not improving. Fatalities in commercial truck accidents have increased since 2009, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Why You Should Hire a West Virginia Truck Accident Attorney
If you were injured, or you lost a loved one, in a collision with a commercial tractor-trailer, you should speak to an attorney right away. Why? Following a collision, the trucking company will likely get started right away conducting an investigation at the scene of the accident in an effort to reduce or deny their liability.
You should level the playing field by having an attorney, and their team of investigators, get to work on your behalf. Statements need to be obtained from witnesses, scene photos need to be taken, and other steps need to be taken to protect your rights.
Speak to a West Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer Right Away
As you can see, when someone is involved in an accident with a commercial truck, the damage can be severe and catastrophic for the occupants of the vehicle hit by the truck. We are here to help you in your time of need. The law firm of Brewer & Giggenbach, PLLC understands the applicable laws related to truck accidents and can put our experience to work for you.