A tractor-trailer hauling almost 900 live turkeys overturned in Campbell County in an accident police say was caused by reckless driving on the part of the truck driver.
According to Virginia State Police, the crash occurred on Tuesday, March 9th, at approximately 6 a.m. on the northbound side of US-29, on the US-460 bypass ramp. The accident, which blocked the north exit ramp, took five hours to clean up. Police were unsure as to how many turkeys survived the crash.
The driver, from North Carolina, was unhurt in the accident, but has been charged with reckless driving. Police say he was speeding and lost control of the truck in the curve, causing the truck to overturn.
Reckless Driving
Fortunately, no humans were hurt in this truck accident, and while the circumstances may seem somewhat comical – the idea of hundreds of turkeys roaming the accident scene – the truth is that this accident could have caused substantial more damage, injuries, and potential loss of life had it happened during a time of day where the traffic was heavier and there were other vehicles in the area.
Studies show that up to 25 percent of all truck accidents are caused by a speeding truck driver. This is even more dangerous than passenger vehicles speeding due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, as well as:\
- It takes longer for a speeding truck to slow down or stop.
- It is more difficult to maneuver a speeding truck.
- There is a higher risk of a speeding truck not being able to stop to avoid accidents or road hazards.
- There is a higher risk of a speeding truck crashing in bad weather.
When a truck accident happens because of the negligence or action of the truck driver, it is often the occupants in the other vehicle that suffer the heaviest consequences. Each year, more than 4,000 victims die in truck accidents. Only 15 percent of those victims are truck occupants. Almost 70 percent are occupants in the cars or other vehicles involved in the crash, while 15 percent are pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
Let a Virginia Personal Injury Firm Help You Recover the Damages You Deserve
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in a truck accident caused by a speeding or reckless truck driver, contact a seasoned Virginia truck accident attorney. Truck accidents can be more complex than other types of motor vehicle accidents because there may be multiple parties who are liable for a victim’s injuries. In these types of accidents, not only could the truck driver be held liable for a victim’s losses, but the trucking company he or she worked for can also be responsible for any financial compensation the victim is due.
Our Virginia personal injury law firm has successfully represented many clients who were injured in truck accidents and will use all available resources to aggressively advocate for you and your family in obtaining the financial compensation you deserve
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