Police have identified the truck driver that was killed in a tractor-trailer accident in Dallas, TX on Tuesday, November 25th, 2013, according to KHOU.
Authorities working with local accident investigation teams believe Benny Gerlock was killed when the tractor-trailer he drove swerved off the road for reasons currently under investigation while driving on Interstate 35E. The truck collided with a concrete support column beneath an overpass.
Scene of the Accident
According to the news report, Benny Gerlock was pronounced dead on the scene by emergency response personnel when they arrived.
No other injuries were reported in the crash.
The investigation into the accident is currently underway by personnel from both local and state agencies.
Commentary:
Keeping in mind that the investigation into this crash is still ongoing, but there are a few things reported in the news that raise a few questions. While there is a possibility that driver error may be to blame for this accident, there is often more going on than what meets the eye. I always recommend taking a look at the truck’s repair history. Trucking companies will sometimes forget to do key inspections and repairs, and 18-wheelers can fall into disrepair very, very quickly. Things like low tires or worn brakes can spell disaster for anyone on the road. Driver exhaustion would be the other angle I would look at very hard. Truckers can be pushed very hard by the companies they work for, and if this driver is found to have been pushed too hard and fell asleep behind the wheel, and any good lawyer would hold a trucking company responsible for the damage they cause.
–Grossman Law Offices
