On Monday, a tractor-trailer in Haywood County overturned on I-40. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the wreck happened just before 10:45 a.m., near Cold Springs Creek Road. Very few details have been released about this semi-truck crash, but we do know that the livestock truck was hauling live pigs. Initial reports indicate that there were at least 100 pigs in the truck at the time of the crash. The truck driver was reportedly headed west on I-40, near MM7, when he lost control of the vehicle.
Livestock Truck Crash on I-40
When the truck overturned, pigs were ejected from the trailer. The truck driver was injured in the crash. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Additionally, he was charged with exceeding the safe speed and failure to wear his seatbelt. A portion of the roadway had to be closed as crews and first responders worked the scene. Workers also had to contain the animals that were ejected during the crash.
U.S. Truck Crashes by The Numbers
In 2016, there were 4,317 people killed in crashes involving large trucks.
Between 2015 and 2016, there was a 5.4 percent increase in large truck crash fatalities.
In 2016, 72 percent of people killed in large truck crashes were occupants in other vehicles.
79 percent of the fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2016 happened on weekdays.
Two percent of the large-truck drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2016 had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .08 g/dL or higher.
Truck Accident Attorney in Asheville
Truck accidents involving smaller passenger occupant vehicles can be devastating, catastrophic or worse. Since trucks are so much larger and heavier than smaller vehicles, they can do a significant amount of damage in a collision. This is why it is so important that truck drivers and trucking companies follow all traffic safety laws and federal trucking rules and regulations.
If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a truck accident 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.