NY Truck Crash Blamed on Driver Inattention

Last month, an 18-wheeler was responsible for the death of six people when it crashed into a long line of cars stopped for road construction. Now, a month later, officials are blaming the accident on the truck driver’s inattention.

According to the Daily Herald, the truck accident happened near the Fort Drum Army post, where road workers were repaving. There was a series of signs leading up to the road work, warning that workers were ahead.

The truck driver claimed not to see any of the signs.

Instead, he plowed into the back of an SUV, starting a chain reaction of collisions. In all, six were killed including three children.

The truck driver himself was initially listed in critical condition, but is now in good condition, recovering at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.

No charges have been brought against him.

His truck was owned by MBM Customized Foodservice Distribution. The company is based out of North Carolina and their trucks have reportedly been involved in 75 accidents over the past two years—one of which was fatal, and 23 resulted in injury.

When the accident initially occurred, officials said there were no text messages or phone calls sent or received just prior to the accident. It isn’t clear what distracted the truck driver, but it could have been any number of things.

When you are on the road, especially for a considerable length of time, it is easy to get distracted. From changing your music, to eating a meal, numerous things we do behind the wheel can take our eyes off the road and lead to a tragic ending.

 Distracted driving seems to account for more and more accidents, as people find technology to be a constant distraction of life in general. Although there are laws against texting and driving, and in some states even talking on the phone, people still do these things and they still cause accidents.

Even if you do your best to minimize distractions on the road, not everyone else is so courteous. And when you get in your car, you are at the mercy of every other driver. Their distractions could spell your disaster.

If you’ve been involved in a truck or car accident and believe the other driver was texting or otherwise distracted, you could have a legitimate personal injury claim. Our attorneys may be able to help.