Motorcyclist Killed when Tractor-Trailer Fails to Stop | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

A 56-year old man from St. Louis, Va. was killed last week when a tractor-trailer plowed into the motorcycle the victim was driving. The fatal crash occurred at the intersection of Carpers Pike (Va. 259) and Northwestern Pike (U.S. 50) in Gore.

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According to details released by law enforcement, the truck driver, a 58-year-old New Jersey man, was driving a 2016 Freightliner, northbound, on Carpers Pike. As he approached Northwestern Pike, he was unable to stop the massive vehicle and crossed over both lanes of the highway and slammed into the victim’s 2015 Triumph motorcycle. The truck also hit a 2013 Nissan Altima before it came to a stop on the shoulder of the road, laying on its side. The driver of the Nissan was not injured.

The victim was transported to Winchester Medical Center suffering from internal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the hospital at approximately 1:30 p.m., about one hour after the fatal crash happened.

The truck driver tried claiming to police that the brakes of the trucks failed and that is why he could not stop the vehicle. Despite his claim, a Frederick County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said they have charged the driver with reckless driving. The spokesperson said they are still investigating the crash and that the Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit of the Virginia State Police will be inspecting the truck to determine if there were any equipment failures.

Truck Accidents and Speeding

Statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reveal that the number of fatal truck crashes has increased each year. Speeding is one of the major causes of these crashes, responsible for up to almost 25 percent of truck accidents.

The size and weight of these vehicles require more time to slow them down or bring them to a complete stop. Multiple studies have shown that even going a few miles above the posted speed limit can result in horrific truck crashes – many of them deadly ones. For those victims fortunate to survive a truck accident, they are often left with permanent and life-changing disabilities.

 Let a Virginia Truck Accident Attorney Advocate for You

If you or a loved one has been injured in a tractor-trailer crash, contact a skilled Virginia truck accident attorney to find out what your legal options may be against the at-fault party or parties responsible for the accident. Truck accidents often involve claims against multiple parties and can be more complex than other types of vehicle accident claims. Our Va. personal injury firm has successfully represented many clients who were truck accident victims and will aggressively fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.