Casey Stodgell (Full Name: Casey Allen Stodgell) Died In Temple Tractor Trailer Truck Accident On Interstate 35 By Midway Drive
TEMPLE, TEXAS (August 6, 2022) – A man identified as Casey Stodgell died in a Temple big rig truck accident along northbound Interstate 35 by Midway Drive.
Bell County officials are saying that the collision took place around 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Casey Stodgell was in one of the three vehicles including a semi-truck that collided in the roadway under unclear conditions.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help everyone who sustained injuries. Sadly, Casey Stodgell died due to the severity of his injuries.
Temple police officials are asking anyone that may have more information about what happened to reach out to them.
Liability In Temple Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks can be particularly dangerous to pedestrians and people in passenger vehicles. There are many different factors that could potentially contribute to a semi-truck collision. According to the FMCSA, “Elements that influence the occurrence of a crash may take place hours, days, or months before the crash. They include driver training and experience, vehicle design and manufacture, highway condition and traffic signaling, and weather conditions.” There were three critical events in particular that accounted for the majority of truck accidents.
- The truck driver ran out of room in their travel lane before going into another lane or off road.
- The truck driver lost control due to traveling too fast, cargo shift, vehicle systems failure, poor road conditions or other reasons.
- The truck driver collided with the rear of another vehicle in their own lane.
Truck drivers will typically need to get a commercial driver’s license. They are expected to do everything in their power to avoid collisions. Many truck accidents are due to truck drivers that make unsafe lane changes. Pursuant to Texas Transportation Code 545.060, the driver of a vehicle shall not move from their lane unless such a movement can be made with reasonable safety. Commercial trucks have large blind spots and their drivers don’t always see other vehicles right next to them.
If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could potentially be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, truck companies will often try to evade liability for crashes by hiring truck drivers as independent contractors. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- The employment status of the truck driver should be determined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be examined.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- An independent investigation should be conducted.
When a truck driver is negligent, they can be held at fault through a civil claim. The family of any driver that is killed in a semi-truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim will typically include the victim’s spouse and dependent children. In order to win any civil claim, plaintiffs will have to demonstrate negligence. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Temple Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Casey Stodgell. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There are so many questions that need to be answered.
Do you need more information about a Temple semi-truck accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
