Kenneth Walker Died In Nacogdoches Tractor-Trailer Truck Accident With Car Hauler Along SW Stallings Drive
NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS (October 20, 2022) – A truck driver identified as Kenneth Walker was killed in a Nacogdoches truck accident along SW Stallings Drive.
Nacogdoches County officials are saying that the accident took place on Wednesday morning. Kenneth Walker was traveling down the road in a 1995 Peterbilt truck tractor hauling logs.
The driver of a 2006 Peterbilt truck tractor was pulling a car hauler when it made an improper U-turn in the roadway. Both semi-trucks collided in the roadway and a vehicle was hit by a logs that came loose from one of the trucks.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help all of the victims. Despite the best efforts of first responders, Kenneth Walker died as a result of his injuries.
A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Nacogdoches Semi-Truck Accidents
Driving a commercial truck is one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs that people can have. According to one report in The Guardian, 843 truck drivers were killed on the job in 2019 alone. This accounted for more than one out of every seven workplace fatalities in the U.S. that year. One report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) found that there were a number of contributing factors for truck accidents.
- Truck drivers are often asked to work tight delivery schedules which can lead to fatigue.
- Truck drivers are often asked to work in dangerous weather conditions.
- Truck drivers often do not get the training that they need for all of the conditions that they encounter.
Truck drivers will nearly always need to get a commercial driver’s license. They are held to a high standard in terms of safety and must do everything in their power to avoid collisions. Pursuant to Texas Transportation Code 545.102, no person shall turn their vehicle in the roadway when another vehicle is approaching from either direction within 500 feet. If a truck driver made an improper U-turn prior to an accident, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
When a truck driver makes a dangerous U-turn and causes an accident, the company that they work for could 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. For example, a truck driver may have been transporting goods when they were involved in a crash. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any truck accident.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A thorough, investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that is killed in a truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that can come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Sadly, truck companies will often fight hard to deny liability for any accident involving their driver. This is why it is so important that evidence is properly preserved after any crash.
Investigating A Nacogdoches Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Kenneth Walker. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a Nacogdoches semi-truck accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. 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 any accident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
