Scottie Dunn Died In Oldham County Tractor Trailer Truck Accident On Interstate 40 While Standing Near Tow Truck
OLDHAM COUNTY, TEXAS (October 26, 2022) – A tow truck driver identified as Scottie Dunn has died in an Oldham County semi-truck accident on Interstate 40.
Oldham County officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:15 p.m. on Friday. Scottie Dunn was standing on the shoulder of the road next to his tow truck when he was hit by a semi-truck that drifted onto the shoulder.
The force of the impact pushed the tow truck into a ditch where it overturned. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Sadly, Scottie Dunn died as a result of his injuries. A full investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Oldham County Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-truck accidents are far more common than many people realize. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2020, 4,842 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, a 4% decrease from 2019 but still a 33% increase since 2011. The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled is down 5% from 2019, but up 18% since 2011.” Driving a commercial truck is substantially more difficult than driving a passenger vehicle. There are a number of steps that truck drivers should take in order to avoid collisions.
- Truck drivers should ideally plan their routes out ahead of time.
- Truck drivers should be well rested before the start of their shift.
- Truck drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
Fatigue, in particular, is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Truck drivers have very demanding jobs that require them to work at odd hours when they might otherwise be sleeping. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that staying awake for only 18 hours can reduce a person’s ability to drive safely equal to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%. For comparison, a truck driver is considered intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher.
Truck drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. Pursuant to Texas Transportation Code § 545.060, the driver of a vehicle shall not move their vehicle from a single lane of traffic unless such a movement can be made with reasonable safety. If a truck driver hits another vehicle parked on the shoulder, they can be held at fault through a negligence claim. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be examined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- The truck’s event data recorder should be reviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that is killed in a semi-truck accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. Sadly, though, truck companies will often deny any liability for a crash involving their driver. However, the aftermath of a collision can paint a clear picture of what happened, regardless of what any one person says.
Investigating An Oldham County Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Scottie Dunn. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an Oldham County 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 an accident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
