On Friday night, a crash involving two tractor-trailers resulted in an explosion in Polk County. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the wreck happened on Interstate 26, near Holbert Cove Road. Very little information has been released about this truck crash, but we do know that one of the big rigs was hauling butane at the time of the wreck. Initial reports indicate that one of the trucks collided with the other somewhere near Exit 59, just west of Columbus at Mile Marker 61. Minor injuries were reported with this truck crash. At this time, there has been no word on the cause of the collision, which is likely still under investigation.
Trucking Safety Regulations
Because commercial trucking vehicles are so much larger and heavier than smaller passenger occupant vehicles, there are additional industry-wide safety regulations that all trucks, drivers and trucking companies have to comply with. When trucks are hauling flammable, combustible or hazardous materials, there are even more regulations to ensure safe roadway operation for trucks and other roadway users. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulations that include topics ranging from cargo securement and hours-in-service issues to tire maintenance and mechanical safety.
U.S. Truck Crash Facts
- In 2014, there were 3,908 people killed in large truck crashes in the U.S.
- In 2015, there were 4,067 people killed in crashes involving large trucks.
- An estimated 116,000 people were injured in large truck crashes in 2015.
- 74 percent of all people killed in large truck crashes in 2015 were occupants of other vehicles.
- 78 percent of fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2015 occurred on weekdays.
Asheville Truck Accident Lawyer
Accidents involving commercial trucking vehicles can be devastating for people in smaller passenger occupant vehicles, especially if those trucks are hauling hazardous or combustible materials. After any type of injury accident involving a semi truck, it’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer with proven truck accident case experience about your claim.
If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in an accident involving a big rig, semi truck, tractor-trailer or any other type of commercial trucking vehicle in Asheville or 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.