On Tuesday, there was a tractor-trailer crash on Highway 64 in Macon County. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened near Buck Creek Road, west of Highlands. Very few details about this truck crash have been released, but we do know that the truck was hauling railroad ties at the time of the wreck. Initial reports indicate that the truck driver reportedly swerved to avoid hitting an oncoming vehicle. The maneuver caused the load to shift, and the truck swayed and overturned into the creek.
Roadway Closed After Truck Crash
First responders rushed to the scene, and the truck driver was transported to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries. A portion of the roadway was expected to be closed for about eight hours for crews to work the scene. No information has been released on the injured truck driver’s current condition, and this wreck is likely still under investigation with law enforcement officials.
U.S. Truck Crash Stats
- In 2017, there were 4,761 people killed in crashes involving large trucks.
- Between 2016 and 2017, there was a nine-percent increase in large-truck crash fatalities.
- 72 percent of people killed in large-truck crashes in 2017 were occupants of other vehicles.
Tractor-Trailer Safety Regulations on U.S. Roadways
In addition to following the traditional traffic safety laws, the commercial trucking industry has additional rules and regulations to follow. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is tasked with regulating the trucking industry in efforts to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. Truck drivers and trucking companies have specific procedures and protocols to follow when it comes to safety issues like hours of service, drug and alcohol testing, securement of cargo and many other industry-specific concerns.
Truck Accidents in Asheville
After any kind of accident involving a commercial trucking vehicle, it’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer about your case. You may be entitled to compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages and other expenses associated with your injuries. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a truck accident in Asheville or in any of the surrounding Western North Carolina communities, contact the skilled and proven team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 828-303-2842 for a free case consultation today.