Speeding Likely Cause in Fiery Semi-Truck Accident on I-94
The westbound lanes of I-94 at 11 Mile Road were closed for several early morning hours after a deadly crash involving two semi-trucks, one which became engulfed in flames. Michigan State Police report that the crash happened when one of the semi-truck drivers was attempting to merge onto westbound I-94 at 11 Mile Road when he was rear-ended by another semi. On impact, one of the trucks did catch fire and that driver was killed while the other was not injured. Speed and recklessness are believed to be the primary factors involved in the tragic accident. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) findings show nearly 15 percent of fatal crashes involve drivers not wearing seat belts, 27 percent of fatal crashes will involve drunk drivers, and 27 percent of fatal crashes will be caused or will involve a speeding, reckless driver including semi-truck operators.
We are saddened for the semi driver victim’s family and hope they are provided the support necessary during this difficult time. We will continue to update our online community as additional information is presented, so Michigan drivers can feel safe when sharing the road with these big trucks.
Semi-Truck Drivers Can Easily Lose Control If Speeding
Semi-trucks and tractor trailers are dangerous enough when involved in any type of traffic accident. The pure size and weight of these shifting road hogs is cause in itself to create a tragic crash scene. But when you add the force of speed created by an 80,000 lb. vehicle plus their load to the mix, the outcome is almost always deadly for those involved. That is because these trucks require more time to slow down and stop than passenger vehicles. Truckers who speed are more likely to lose control of their truck, hydroplane and slide in bad weather, and create those devastating jackknife or rollover crashes no one wants to hear about. Other factors that contribute to speeding semi-truck driver induced accidents include poor training, sleepiness, misinformed load weights, bottleneck traffic, distracted driving, and truck drivers who make the poor and often deadly decision to operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, when truck drivers speed, they can easily lose sight of other motorists blocked by large blind spots. This may be the case in this most recent accident.
Do you see semi-trucks speeding in Michigan? If so, on what stretches of roadway?
The Lee Steinberg Law Firm Can Handle Your Semi-Truck Accident Injury Claim
If you or a family member is a victim of an accident caused by a reckless or speeding semi-truck operator, be sure to speak with one of our motor vehicle accident attorneys prior to discussing your injuries or accident details with an insurance company. Many trucks are equipped with event data recorders that track a truck’s speed. This information may only be available to access within 30 days or less of the accident event and could help your case.
The Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C., has been representing semi-truck accident victims for over 40 years and we can help you through this difficult time. Contact us today for a free consultation about your potential case or call us at 1-800-LEE-FREE.
