Rash Of Gas Drilling Industry Truck Crashes Reported In West Virginia

Northern West Virginia has seen four serious traffic accidents in just one week, all involving trucks associated with the gas drilling industry. After this cluster of accidents, in which one person was killed and three injured, local officials are investigating what is causing the accidents and how they can be prevented in the future.

At the beginning of the week, a natural gas truck was traveling on a rural road when the breaks on its vehicle gave out, causing the truck to speed out of control down the road. The trucker left the roadway while trying to avoid a vehicle ahead of him and fell 100 feet down a wooded embankment to his death. In three other cases, all in Wetzel County, oil drilling related trucks have tipped over, left the roadway, and threatened to run other cars off of the roadway.

What is the cause of these commercial truck accidents? The Marshall County Chief Deputy Sheriff told local news reporters that the main issue is that the truck drivers are negotiating foreign roads – and roads that often have sharp curves, narrow segments, and significant inclines. In addition, some drivers seem to be having issues with their brakes on hills, causing the truckers to run other cars off of the road or speed recklessly.

What is the solution to the problem? It seems that truckers simply need to slow down on unfamiliar rural roads and that the natural gas drilling companies need to make certain that the brakes on their trucks are properly maintained.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a truck accident in Virginia or West Virginia that was caused by a vehicle associated with the natural gas trucking industry? Speak with a Norfolk personal injury attorney today about your case and find out if you deserve compensation for your injuries and other damages.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have experience handling truck wreck cases. Check out our truck accident case results and our free consumer guide on what to do if you get involved in an accident with a commercial truck.

We have offices in Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia, including Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Newport News, VA, if you've been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness.

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been named to the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009 and included among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008. Jim and Rick have been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2010. Fewer than 5 percent of practicing lawyers receive this honor.

In addition, our VA injury law firm was the first in the commonwealth to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms, and we have the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization. The rating indicates we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.

While not every injury case meets our criteria, we offer a free initial confidential consultations. Call us toll free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a message so we can get back to you.