Semi-trucks are vitally important for the country’s economy. However, because they are so large and cannot stop quickly in traffic, they hold the potential for creating a lot of devastation in vehicle accident, leading to catastrophic or fatal injuries to other drivers and their passengers. Sadly, two people lost their lives in a chain-reaction collision in Michigan caused by an 18-wheeler.
Accident details and cause
According to reports, a semi-truck was heading west along I-696 in Oakland County. Around 10:15 a.m. on June 23, the vehicle reportedly could not stop in time to avoid colliding with a Buick Lacrosse in front of it. The truck slammed into the vehicle and forced it into other cars, causing a chain-reaction that included six total vehicles.
No word whether the 57-year-old truck driver was injured, but the crash claimed the lives of the Buick driver and a passenger. Both were declared dead at the scene. The report did not list any other people injured in the wreck, but it did state that another vehicle may have been involved that was not at the accident scene and apparently not responsible for the accident in any way.
Wrongful death
Those who lost loved ones in this horrible crash may have the right to pursue compensation against the truck driver, his employer and anyone else who has an ownership interest in the truck. Likewise, anyone injured in the accident can pursue personal injury claims. In order to understand their rights and options and increase their chances of obtaining a successful outcome, affected parties will want to work with an experienced personal injury attorney in Michigan at every stage of the process.