When you drive on a highway to work or school or just for leisure, you see tons of semi-trucks hovering around the right and middle lanes. It is expected to see these trucks as they haul massive cargo from one city to the next. We are extra careful on the highways because we see these massive vehicles driving at top speeds and we know instinctively that if we get in their way then they will certainly crush whatever vehicle you are driving. Semi-trucks deserve respect on the road and rightfully so as so many stories have been told about multiple car pile-ups due to truck accidents. But what about the trucks that roam around our local roads? What about the trailers we see making left and right turns constantly through our busy streets? How do those trucks affect our daily lives?
The unfortunate story of a 63-year old woman reminds us of the tragedy that comes with truck drivers locally driving. The older woman was walking with a cane across the street. She had the right of way and was using the crosswalk as expected. She was on her way to a doctor’s appointment having just denied an offer for a ride from her niece. The woman walked her usual walk as the local truck driver drove his usual route. The problem with driving the same route is that things become habitual. The scenery becomes habitual. The lights change, people cross, and the time of day becomes habitual. Your brain goes into autopilot. You are essentially doing all the moves that you regularly make, but you aren’t really alert to your surroundings. Such is the case for the truck driver who struck the 63-year old woman and dragged her 50 feet down the road. She died on impact.
During the trial, the truck driver swore that he did not see her. This makes sense because she was older, walked slowly, and the driver was used to his normal route. However, after much investigation it was shown that the driver could have prevented the accident and was sentenced to 3 months in jail, three years probation, 30 days community service, and his truck driver’s license will be suspended for one year. Alongside this criminal charge, the children of the deceased woman filed a civil suit. Although it was unspecified the kind of suit may be a wrongful death suit.
The story ends in tragedy for both the victim and the driver. Truck accidents don’t just happen on major highways. They can happen on your local streets. They can happen while you driving or walking. If you or someone you love are suffering from injuries from a truck accident call 310-997-0904 or click here to reach out to our truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg. With over 30 years of experience, we have a successful track record to ensure that you are just compensated for the injuries you sustained.
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