A truck driver suffering from a coughing fit realized too late that a light on U.S. 30 had turned red. Unable to stop in time, he slammed into an SUV. The driver of the SUV, a woman from Valparaiso, died at the scene.
The driver of the truck and his passenger, who was asleep, were not injured in the accident.
According to the Post-Tribune, the big rig is owned by Old Dominion of Thomasville, North Carolina (NC).
This tragic wreck illustrates the damage that can be inflicted by large tractor trailers in accidents. When a tractor trailer driver fails to heed a red light, the ramifications, as seen here, can be deadly.
The family of the victim should speak with a trucking accident injury lawyer to consider their legal options. Simply because the at-fault driver sneezed does not prohibit the family from seeking damages through a wrongful death claim. Though, if the family takes legal action, they should be prepared for a team of defense lawyers representing the truck company to try and minimize and deflect liability.
To learn about the process of taking on a trucking company after a serious accident, read this consumer report which was written by an experienced truck accident injury attorney.