A total of nine trucks and four cars were involved in a collision on Interstate-70, around 11 a.m. outside of Richmond, Ind. Police say one of the trucks was driving too fast for the icy road conditions.
No life threatening injuries were reported, but at least one person did suffer a broken leg. Richmond is located near the Ohio border, east of Indianapolis.
Icy conditions caused numerous traffic crashes throughout the day, following a winter storm Monday. Drivers are reminded to practice safe driving tips for winter.
Truck Accident Dangers
Nationally, truck accidents have been increasing in recent years, with 3,602 deaths in large truck crashes occurring in 2013, according the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Over two-thirds of victims in these are accidents were occupants of cars, and 15 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.
The shear difference in size makes trucks especially dangerous in collisions. A typical 18-wheeler weighs as much as 20-30 times more than a passenger car. In a head-on collision, a sedan will get crushed.
Hours of Service for Truck Drivers
One of the major contributors to truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers are often under pressure to deliver goods across the country on tight deadlines. This can result in drivers not getting enough sleep, putting themselves and others at risk.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration established the Hours of Service rule to mandate rest periods for drivers and limit how many hours they can drive within a single shift. Still, many drivers and trucking companies violate these rules.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious personal injury in a semi-tractor trailer accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the experienced Indiana truck accident lawyers at Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak today to get the justice you deserve.
Call (574) 444-0741 today for a free consultation.
