On Friday, a big rig damaged a Dollar General store in Black Mountain. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened at about 12:00 a.m. at the Dollar General store on U.S. Highway 70. Very few details about this wreck have been released, but we do know that the semi truck got caught in the store’s awning. Initial reports indicate that the truck driver may have been trying to turn around in the parking lot at the time of the incident. There has been no word on whether or not the driver was facing any citations or charges after the wreck. This crash could still be under investigation with local authorities.
Semi Truck Situational Awareness
Semi trucks are much larger and heavier than traditional passenger occupant vehicles. This can make parking and maneuvering them in small areas much more difficult. Combine their size with the potential for reduced visibility due to blind spots, and you have quite the parking challenge for truck drivers. That being said, truck drivers should be properly trained and qualified to safely park and maneuver their rigs. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulations associated with training requirements that must be met before a driver can safely get behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle. With any kind of vehicle, large or small, it’s essential to have situational awareness in all parking and driving situations. Drivers should know where their trucks are and what’s behind them, before backing up.
Tractor Trailer Accidents in Asheville
In 2015, there were 4,067 people killed in wrecks involving large commercial trucking vehicles. Car accidents involving big rigs, semi trucks, tractor-trailers and other commercial trucking vehicles can be devastating or even fatal for people in smaller passenger occupant vehicles. These vehicles are large, heavy and unforgiving, and if you’ve been injured by one, you need to get in touch with a personal injury attorney who has proven truck accident case experience as soon as possible.
If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a tractor trailer accident in or around the Asheville area, contact the skilled and proven team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 888-773-8388 for a free case consultation today.