Rochelle Robertson, of Fresno, Texas, Died In West Semi-Truck Accident Along IH-35 North By Mile Marker 359
WEST, TEXAS (February 8, 2023) – A 21-year-old woman identified as Rochelle Robertson was killed in a West semi-truck accident on IH-35 North by Mile Marker 359.
McLennan County officials are saying that the collision took place around 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31. The driver of a semi-truck was traveling in icy conditions when they crashed into a Dodge Ram pickup truck.
After that first crash, the driver of the semi-truck lost control and collided with a Kia Forte driven by Rochelle Robertson. The force of the impact caused the Kia to become wedged underneath the trailer of the semi-truck.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Rochelle Robertson was extricated from her vehicle.
Sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severe nature of her injuries. It remains unclear if the truck driver involved in this crash will face any citations.
Liability For West Semi-Truck Accidents
Inclement weather is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, “Each year, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet. Over 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy or icy pavement annually.” Semi-trucks can be particularly dangerous during icy conditions for many different reasons.
- A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs and can take over 2 football fields to stop during the best of conditions.
- Semi-trucks have a high center of gravity and are more likely to jack knife during icy road conditions.
- Semi-trucks have a wide turning radius and are more susceptible to side impact collisions.
Semi-truck drivers must get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They are expected to know how to operate their vehicle safely during good weather and poor weather. Many truck drivers in Texas are not used to driving during icy road conditions. If a truck driver was going the speed limit during poor road conditions, this could be very dangerous and construed as negligence.
Liability for a truck accident could extend beyond a negligent truck driver. The company that a truck driver worked for could be held at fault for a collision. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees who were performing their job duties. However, many companies will try to evade liability for truck accidents by hiring truck drivers as “independent contractors.” It is important that all evidence is properly preserved after any crash.
- The employment status of the truck driver should be determined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Surveillance footage of the crash should be sought.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that is killed due to the negligence of a truck driver 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. In order to win any civil claim, plaintiffs will have to demonstrate negligence. Sadly, though, truck companies will do everything in their power to deny responsibility for the negligent actions of their drivers.
Investigating A West Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Rochelle Robertson. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of the victim’s family. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police.
Do you need more information about a West 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 negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into a collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
