Last week, there was a tanker truck crash in McDowell County. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the wreck happened on Thursday afternoon near the intersection of Highway 226 South and Interstate 40. Initial reports indicate that the tanker was hauling heating oil at the time of the crash. During the crash, the truck overturned and reportedly spilled gasoline and maybe heating oil onto the roadway. The driver claims that the brakes malfunctioned at the red light causing him to lose control of the large vehicle. A portion of Highway 226 had to be closed in both directions as first responders and crews worked the scene.
U.S. Large Truck Crash Facts
In 2015, there were 4,067 people killed in crashes involving large trucks.
An estimated 116,000 people were injured in truck crashes in 2015.
In 2015, 74 percent of people killed in truck crashes were occupants in other vehicles.
Large truck drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2015 had the highest percentage (20.1%) of previously recorded crashes compared to drivers of other vehicle types.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Since tankers, tractor-trailers and semi trucks are so much larger and heavier than regular passenger occupant vehicles, they have additional rules and regulations to follow for roadway safety compliance. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency tasked with regulating the commercial trucking industry. Commercial trucking companies have to be in compliance for a variety of safety regulations including issues related to mechanical maintenance, hours of service, cargo placement and tire safety.
Truck Accidents in Western North Carolina
Since truck accident investigations can be much more complex than those involving only passenger occupant vehicles, it’s a good idea to have a personal injury lawyer on your side who has proven truck accident case experience. A lawyer can be your advocate as your focus on getting back on your feet. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in an accident involving a semi truck, tanker or tractor-trailer in Asheville or in any of the surrounding Western North Carolina communities, contact the skilled and proven Personal Injury team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 828-303-2842 for a free case consultation today.