DALLAS, Texas. According to ABC News, eight people were killed when a semi truck’s tire blew, causing the truck to swerve across a median and strike a Greyhound bus in a head-on collision. The accident highlights the real risk that semi-trucks pose to cars and other vehicles on the road. Semi-trucks pose a greater risk than other vehicles, because of the sheer loads they carry and due to their weight. When smaller vehicles like passenger cars experience tire blowouts, drivers can also lose control of their vehicles, but the consequences may not be as serious. For example, the sheer weight of the semi-truck may have made it possible to break through the barrier that might have held otherwise. Furthermore, buses are large vehicles, meaning that they can often absorb some of the force when they are struck by a passenger vehicle. However, in the case of the accident in New Mexico, the sheer size of the semi-truck may have contributed to the catastrophic nature of the accident.
Authorities are also investigating each vehicle’s electronic logs to determine whether the drivers may have exceeded hours of service laws. Federal laws limit how long drivers of commercial vehicles are permitted to operate on the road in a given day. Because both of the vehicles involved are commercial vehicles, both drivers’ log records need to be investigated. Investigators also will look at driver training and the safety practices observed by each company as well as roadway conditions. It isn’t yet clear why the barrier broke or whether it was designed to absorb the forces the size of a semi-truck.
According to AzCentral, another 25 people were injured in the Greyhound crash, including 3 young passengers. Two infants were hospitalized and several passengers were either in intensive care or undergoing surgery for spinal fractures, head trauma, and other serious injuries. The bus was carrying close to 50 people when the accident occurred, AzCentral reports. Bystanders stopped to help the victims escape the bus, in the aftermath of the accident.
Already families of the deceased victims are suing the truck company. The complaints claim that the truck company’s other vehicles have been involved in at least three other accidents in the past 2 years. Frequent crashes could be indicative of a safety problem, problems with training, or company policies that can make drivers less safe than they could be. Others worry that there may be inspection problems with the trucks. Proper maintenance and inspections can prevent tire blowouts like the kind seen in this kind of accident. Truck companies may sometimes cut corners by replacing worn tires with used tires, which can also put drivers and trucks at risk. Poorly inflated tires are also at risk of rupture. Regular maintenance can prevent these kinds of accidents. When trucks suffer tire blowouts, the consequences can be serious.
The Law Offices of Robert Gregg are truck accident attorneys in Dallas, Texas who work closely with victims and families following devastating truck crashes. Our firm is closely watching as investigators learn more about this devastating accident. We may be able to help you seek damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.