According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, a tractor-trailer is to blame for the two deaths that occurred on I-85 in Guliford County outside of Greensboro, North Carolina (NC).
A woman traveling with her daughter pulled her car in to the right travel lane of I-85 near Rock Creek Dairy Road; likely having car trouble. While the woman was parked in the right lane, a tractor-trailer hit her car from behind; killing her and her daughter. The North Carolina Highway Patrol has not yet filed charges in the tractor-trailer accident.
Highways like I-85 can be extremely dangerous for drivers who are forced to pull off the roadway. The North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety offers these tips on handling a car break down and avoiding a car accident while you are driving: First, pull your car as far off the roadway as possible. Once you have pulled your car off the road, exit the car through the passenger side and have everyone exit the vehicle. Do not leave any passengers in the car. Once everyone has exited the vehicle, stand away from the roadway. Do not stand near your vehicle. Finally, if it is dark outside, be sure to use your emergency flashers. It is difficult for other drivers, especially drivers traveling at high speeds, to see parked vehicles. Using your emergency flashers will help others see you.
Tragically, not all accidents like the one that happened on I-85 can be avoided. If you have been involved in a car accident after a break down, it is likely that car accident is not your fault. A personal injury attorney may be able to help you.
AC