Driving alongside tractor trailers can be unnerving. The fact that a vehicle that may weigh nearly twenty times the weight of your vehicle should be scary enough; especially considering if the truck loses control and crashes. If this occurs, passengers in automobiles can be seriously injured.
This was likely the case in a truck accident on Interstate 10 this morning in the West Valley near 75th Avenue. According to media reports, the truck remained jackknifed on the highway after being involved in a crash with another vehicle. The occupant of the vehicle was taken to a local hospital. No details were released regarding their condition.
Meanwhile, the truck remained on the highway blocking the east bound HOV lane for most of the morning. It stood with the cab turned nearly 180 degrees so that it was almost parallel to its trailer. The obstruction caused major backups on I-10; just in time to bring the morning rush hour to a crawl.
Authorities explained that it would take some time to clear the highway. But the larger questions lie with the investigation of the crash to learn who was at fault. Essentially, did either of the drivers fail to use reasonable care, and was such a failure the proximate cause of the crash?
If the truck driver is found to be negligent, the injured passenger could seek money damages to compensate him or her for their injuries. This could include money for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages and pain and suffering. Nevertheless, the crash is yet another example of how dangerous semi-trucks can be.
Source: Azfamily.com, “Jackknifed semi causes huge backup on EB I-10,” Catherine Holland, Mar. 13, 2014