Last week, there was a semi-truck crash on Interstate 26 in Asheville. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened on Monday night between Long Shoals and Brevard Roads. The truck driver was reportedly exceeding safe speeds in the rain when they lost control of the big rig and collided into a bridge rail. The semi-truck, which was carrying a load of potato chips at the time, jackknifed in the roadway and went up in flames. Thankfully, the driver was able to escape the vehicle by climbing out of the window.
Fuel Spill and Fire at The Scene of Truck Crash
First responders and crews rushed to the scene, where they found the saddle tank had ruptured. Most of the fuel was burned off in the fire, but absorbent material was put on the road to soak up the extra fuel. DOT personnel were called to the scene to assess the damage to the bridge and rail. The roadway had to be closed for hours as crews worked the scene. The truck driver was charged with exceeding safe speed, and this incident could still be under investigation with law enforcement authorities. No other vehicles were involved in this crash.
U.S. Truck Crashes By The Numbers
- In 2016, there were 4,369 people killed in crashes involving large trucks.
- In 2017, there were 4,761 people killed in crashes involving large trucks.
- From 2016 to 2017, there was a nine-percent increase in large-truck crash fatalities in the U.S.
- In 2017, 72 percent of people killed in crashes involving large trucks were occupants in other vehicles.
- 78 percent of the fatal crashes involving large trucks happened on weekdays in 2017.
Truck Accidents in Asheville
Truck accidents are often devastating, catastrophic or worse for occupants in smaller passenger occupant vehicles. After any type of collision involving a tractor-trailer or semi-truck, it’s important to speak with a Personal Injury lawyer who has proven truck accident case experience. You may be entitled to compensation for 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 an accident involving a semi-truck, tractor-trailer or any type of commercial trucking vehicle in Asheville or in any of the nearby 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.