Residents of Columbus, Ohio, may or may not be aware that the drivers operating commercial motor vehicles, including 18-wheelers, are often held to a higher standard of care and conduct than those drivers operating passenger vehicles. Therefore, when a commercial driver is responsible for a truck accident, it can have serious repercussions for truck drivers and their employer, depending upon the circumstances surrounding the semi-truck accident.

An accident that occurred recently in Ohio involved a semi and numerous other vehicles. As a result of this accident, one woman was killed and numerous others were injured.

A woman driving an SUV was attempting to cross an Ohio highway in very foggy conditions. As she tried to cross the road, her vehicle was struck by a big rig. This initial impact caused a chain reaction of collisions. In total, there were 14 vehicles involved in the accident, including 11 commercial motor vehicles.

Unfortunately, the woman driving the SUV was fatally injured.

The full details of this accident — aside from the fact conditions were foggy — are unknown at this time and the incident is still under investigation. However, it is possible that those who are affected by this accident may be able to receive compensation from negligent drivers that were involved in the accident.

When tractor-trailers are involved in accidents, it is important to analyze the driver logs, vehicle maintenance reports, training policies and driving records to ensure drivers and their employers were following all of the rules and regulations required of commercial motor vehicle operators. A truck driver is required to have a commercial driver’s license and if it is determined their negligence contributed to the occurrence of the accident, it may have an impact on their ability to keep that license.

If the accident is not attributed to the negligence of a truck driver but instead to the negligence of an individual operating a passenger vehicle, it is still possible for the other injured parties to attempt to recover compensation from that party.

Source: The Van Wert Independent, “Paulding woman killed in mega-crash,” Feb. 6, 2013