When we see a large truck on the road near us, we hope that it’s in good condition and the driver is experienced and alert — not drowsy or distracted. The last thing we want is for a truck driver to be watching a cellphone video behind the wheel.
However, that’s what led to a fatal crash in the early evening of Sunday, Sept. 29, according to Kentucky State Police and prosecutors. A 45-year-old man who was driving a semitruck has been indicted for murder for the crash on Interstate 64 in Franklin County that took the life of a 61-year-old Bedford man. A grand jury also indicted him on charges of wanton endangerment and first- and second-degree assault. He had originally been charged with second-degree manslaughter.
According to authorities, the driver of the truck, which was fully loaded, didn’t notice a slowdown in traffic at a construction zone. They say he was watching a video on his phone, which was mounted to his dashboard. He also reportedly wasn’t wearing the prescription lenses that his commercial driver’s license says he requires.
He struck the other driver, who was in a Jeep. Both the truck and Jeep then hit an SUV. A passenger in the SUV was seriously injured.
Even if you’re fortunate enough to survive a crash with a large commercial truck, you may well be left with injuries that require long-term medical treatment and therapy. The effects of those injuries can remain with you for the rest of your life.
That’s why it’s essential to determine all the parties that can and should be held liable so that you can seek the compensation you need. While criminal charges are often warranted, you can seek compensation in civil court regardless of the criminal penalties faced by the driver.