A 68-year-old man has died following a recent collision involving a tractor-trailer in West Virginia. With an increase in size and weight, other vehicles may stand little chance of holding their own against a commercial vehicle, and motor vehicle accidents involving tractor-trailers can have disastrous consequences. While many drivers may use caution when traveling near commercial vehicles, in some cases, due diligence isn’t always enough.
Law enforcement agents advised that the incident occurred just after noon on a recent Monday as the man was sitting in his truck just off the side of the road. For reasons still under investigation, the driver of a tractor-trailer veered off course and struck the truck from behind. Authorities have stated that the man may have pulled off the road to make a phone call, and he reportedly suffered fatal injuries in the accident.
There may be a variety of scenarios in which a similar incident could take place. Even a brief moment of inattention can leave a driver with little awareness of his or her surroundings. In this moment, the chances of a collision increase significantly, and when commercial vehicles are involved, the consequences of such an event can be severe.
All motor vehicle accidents run the unfortunate chance of ending in disaster, and those who encounter loss due to the negligence of another party may be left in search of answers. When facing such a loss, a person in West Virginia could choose to consult with an attorney for guidance in pursuing compensation through civil court. An attorney can examine the incident thoroughly and assist a client in pursuing the compensation deserved through a wrongful death claim against the party or parties deemed responsible.