Tractor-Trailer Crash Hospitalized 13 People in Ohio

Every driver in Summit, Ohio, is familiar with the basic traffic rules of the road, which include driving within the speed limit, using a seatbelt and stopping at red lights. Motorists are required to stop at red lights in order to avoid collision with cars driving in the opposite direction. These rules of the road also apply to commercial vehicle drivers, such as truck drivers.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, running a red light seems to be the cause of a recent tractor-trailer crash in nearby Akron, Ohio. The police stated that the driver of a tractor-trailer ran a red light and collided with a passenger van. The van was carrying 10 people at the time and the impact of the collision flipped the van on its side, causing it to roll. The truck also struck another car.

Authorities reported that a total of 13 victims were rushed to the hospital, all sustaining serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Drugs and alcohol are not being considered as a factor in the crash. Additionally, the driver of the tractor-trailer claimed that he failed to realize that the light had turned red as he drove into the intersection.

Drivers of 18-wheelers, semi-truck and tractor-trailers are commercial vehicle drivers who need considerably more experience and skill behind the wheel than the average driver. These drivers also are expected to be more vigilant and maintain their focus on the road. Distracted driving or careless driving may result in legal liability to the truck driver. Truck accidents can cause great damage to victims, such as medical costs and lost wages, causing financial difficulty for the victims. But there are legal ways to provide a fair amount of compensation to address pain and suffering and medical expenses. An Ohio truck accident lawyer can provide the information that a victim needs.

Source: WKBN 27, “13 taken to hospital in Trumbull County crash,” June 1, 2014