Truckers, with the enormous size and weight of their rigs, have a grave responsibility to use every safety precaution necessary. Even in ideal conditions, sharing the road with a tractor-trailer can be hazardous. Truck accidents often result in devastating losses and lives changed forever. A recent accident in New York took the lives of four people who likely never saw it coming.
The driver of the milk truck was traveling on Interstate 81 around 11:30 p.m. when, supposedly, a number of deer crossed the road in front of him. In order to avoid hitting the deer, the driver swerved and likely slammed on the brakes, causing the rig to skid and jackknife across both lanes of the highway. It is unclear how long the truck sat across the highway or if the driver had time to set up flares to warn other drivers.
Because the area of highway was unlit, it is probable that the next driver approaching the scene did not see the disabled truck. His vehicle drove under the truck’s trailer, and all three occupants died. A short time later, a second vehicle approached and crashed into the truck, and the driver of that vehicle also died at the scene.
There are still many unanswered questions about this accident, and authorities continue their investigation. Meanwhile, the families and loved ones of the four victims are likely dealing with their shock and sorrow. As the details of the accident unfold, family members may begin to seek answers of their own. Many in New York who lose loved ones in truck accidents turn to an experienced attorney for assistance.
Source: syracuse.com, “First photos of I-81 crash of milk truck, 2 vehicles that killed 4”, Kira Maddox, July 6, 2017