Sioux Falls, SD — There was an accident last Friday (February 6, 2015) that left two truck drivers with injuries along Highway 42, right near the Willow Run Golf Course. Police said that it happened when a bobtail truck and semi-truck hauling some logs collided.
It happened at about 1:00 p.m. last Friday, they said. A bobtail truck was driving west along the highway when the driver suddenly lost control for unknown reasons and swerved into the eastbound lanes, where it crashed head-on into an oncoming semi-truck that was hauling logs.
The bobtail truck then ignited into flames, and a passerby was able to help that driver out of the cab. Both the bobtail and the semi driver were hospitalized that afternoon for their injuries, but they didn’t seem to be in bad condition. More details will be released later, but police are busy investigating right now.
At this point, it’s not clear if the bobtail trucker will face any charges.
Map of the Accident (Approximate)
View from the Road
Commentary:
I know the common perception of truck drivers is that they operate on their own level, including driving rules, testing requirements, insurance, etc. For the most part, that’s true, but truck drivers also have all the same rights that you and I do on the road. When someone causes an accident that injures them, they have the right to file a claim against that driver (or in this case, company the driver worked for) to repair the damage done. As an added bonus, though, since truck drivers are usually considered “on the job” when they’re driving, they qualify for workers’ comp benefits. If their employer subscribes to workers’ comp, then the injured truck driver has another chance and getting recovery.
— Grossman Law Offices
