A negligent tractor trailer driver caused one fatality and at least five more serious injuries when he collided with six motorcycles on I-85 in Greensboro. The accident took place on the morning of Saturday, July 18th, and serves as a tragic reminder of the destructive power of tractor trailers. When operated by negligent, reckless or intoxicated drivers, these vehicles have the potential to cause catastrophic damage to vehicles and motorists.
According to Greensboro Police, the six motorcyclists involved in the accident had traveled to Greensboro from Virginia and Maryland to attend a motorcycle rally. On Saturday morning, they had parked their motorcycles on the side of I-85 to deal with mechanical issues when all six were struck by an out-of-control tractor trailer. This horrible collision left one of the riders fatally injured, while the other five were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. One rider remains in critical condition.
The most disappointing aspect of this case is that it was caused by the gross negligence of the tractor trailer driver. Police are reporting that the driver had fallen asleep at the wheel, causing him to veer off the road and into the shoulder, where the motorcyclists had parked to repair their vehicles.
To make matters worse, the driver did not bother to stop and call the authorities or help the people he had injured, and continued to drive on. Police stated that the truck did come to a stop further down on I-85, but only because it had sustained a flat tire from the accident.
The driver is currently in Guilford County Jail and facing serious charges including felony hit-and-run and misdemeanor death.
Accidents involving tractor trailers remain a very serious problem in North Carolina and across the country. Truck drivers, motorcyclists and all other motorists share a responsibility to be safe and alert on the roads at all times. Falling asleep at the wheel, the negligent behavior that caused this tragic accident, is absolutely unacceptable no matter what vehicle a driver is operating.
Here are some statistics about the concerning numbers of accidents involving tractor trailers:
- In North Carolina in 2012, the most recent year for which data is available, there were 132 tractor trailers involved in fatal crashes.
- 1,747 North Carolina vehicles were involved in fatal crashes with large trucks in 2012.
- Between 2011 and 2012, there was a 5% increase in the amount of large trucks involved in fatal crashes.
At Daggett Shuler, Greensboro and Winston-Salem Truck Accident law firm, we take driver safety extremely seriously. Our firm is involved in multiple programs encouraging motorists to make safe, responsible decisions on the road, and we fight aggressively on behalf of drivers that were seriously injured through no fault of their own. When car, truck or motorcycle drivers behave irresponsibly and put other motorists at risk, they must be held accountable for their actions.
Call Daggett Shuler, experienced North Carolina Car Accident and Disability law firm, right away at 336-724-1234 if you have been involved in an accident caused by the fault of another driver. When you call, you will speak with one of our experienced, compassionate North Carolina Accident and Disability lawyers for FREE. We will help you understand the details of your case and provide the answers you seek.
When injured, make one call to Daggett Shuler Law.
Daggett Shuler – You Can Depend on Us