Tractor-trailer trucks loaded with logs are fairly common in some areas of Tennessee. Truck accidents involving a log truck can sometimes cause grievous damage to property and serious injury or death to persons involved. This recently happened on Highway 218 about one mile east of Paris when an SUV operated by a 70-year-old man from Buchanan crashed head-on into a log truck.
The front-seat passenger in the SUV, a 51-year-old woman of Cottage Grove, died at the accident scene. The log truck trounced the SUV into a nearby property at the highway’s edge. Responders rescued its driver from the tangled mess by using the Jaws of Life. He was then airlifted to the Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville where he was listed in critical condition, according to Tennessee State Troopers.
The driver of the log truck was transported to Henry County Medical Center with unspecified injuries. According to a state trooper spokesman, it appeared that the SUV crossed the center line and crashed head-on into the 2015 model tractor trailer. The truck rolled onto its side and dropped it load of logs all over the highway.
By crossing the center line and going head-on into the truck, the SUV operator was negligent and possibly reckless depending on the other surrounding facts. Factors such as a medical condition, distraction, impairment or falling asleep are all potential causes of this kind of accident. Unfortunately, accidents involving vehicles crossing over and striking oncoming vehicles are fairly common.
The deceased passenger’s estate has the legal right to make a wrongful death claim against the driver of the SUV in which she was riding. The injured driver of the log truck also has a personal injury claim against the negligent driver. The basis of recovery for truck accidents in Tennessee and all other jurisdictions is based on the negligence of the respective operators.
Source: parispi.net, “Local woman killed in crash involving log truck“, Dec. 21, 2015
