Fatal Accident in North Carolina Caused by Reckless Truck Driver
Large, commercial truck drivers have a particular responsibility to other vehicles on our roads, as their trucks weigh significantly more than others with which they share the road. When a reckless truck driver causes an accident, catastrophic damages can occur. A recent wreck in North Carolina claimed the life of a motorist, even after authorities were alerted to the truck operator’s dangerous driving.
According to authorities, a dump truck that was hauling logs and towing a trailer was driving northbound on a road in Raleigh at 4:15 p.m. For an unknown reason, the driver did not stop and crashed into a minivan which subsequently rear-ended a tractor-trailer in front of it. The minivan was crushed between the two large trucks. The driver of the minivan was killed in the crash.
Earlier that afternoon, 911 operators received at least one call from a concerned motorist regarding the truck. They issued two separate BOLO (Be On the Look Out) notices to law enforcement officers after hearing reports of the truck swerving and repeatedly running off the road on I-40. The license plate reported to 911 matches that of the truck involved in the fatal crash. One motorist even followed the truck for approximately 20 miles and can be heard on 911 transcripts trying to verbally flag a North Carolina Highway Patrol officer to pull the truck over, to no avail.
The truck driver has a conviction of driving without a license, but also has seven other driving violations that have been dismissed since 2008. In addition, he has two drug charges which are pending in Moore County. The driver could face other criminal charges as a result of this accident and the death of the minivan driver.
Families of victims impacted by a reckless truck driver will want to understand what legal options they can pursue. They may be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of a family member to help cover costs of funeral expenses and other financial losses. They may also be able to seek compensation for less tangible things, such as the loss of companionship and pain and suffering due to the loss of their family member. A Wilmington personal injury attorney experienced in handling these types of claims can guide the family through such a painful and confusing time.
