On Monday morning, a tractor-trailer overturned on westbound US-19. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the truck crash happened in Swain County near Bryson City. Both westbound lanes of US-19, about two miles west of Silvermine Road, had to be closed for a portion of time as crews and first responders worked the scene. Although very little information has been released about this truck crash, we do know that the trailer came loose during the wreck. The truck driver was transported to Haywood Regional Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. At this time, there has been no word on the cause of this semi truck crash. The incident is likely still under investigation with authorities.
U.S. Commercial Truck Crash Statistics
- 3,903 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks in 2014.
- In 2014, an estimated 111,000 people were injured in truck crashes.
- 73 percent of people killed in truck crashes were occupants of other vehicles in 2014.
- 10 percent of people killed in large truck crashes in 2014 were non-occupants (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.).
- An estimated 438,000 large trucks were involved in police-reported crashes in 2014.
Commercial Trucking Regulations
Since commercial trucking vehicles are so much larger and heavier than passenger occupant vehicles, truck drivers and trucking companies have additional federal laws and safety regulations to follow. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the organization tasked with regulating the commercial trucking industry. Accidents involving large commercial vehicles often require additional investigative efforts due to the regulations involved with safe interstate transport of goods.
Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Asheville
Accidents involving commercial trucking vehicles are often devastating for drivers and passengers in smaller cars, SUVs and light trucks. Due to the additional regulations and laws associated with the trucking industry, investigations and potential injury claims can be lengthy and complex. After any type of accident involving a semi truck, it’s important to speak with a personal injury attorney who has proven truck accident case experience about your options.
If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a tractor-trailer, semi truck or big rig accident in or around the Asheville area, contact the skilled team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 888-773-8388 for a free case consultation today.