Gerald Weaver, Tara Weaver, of Escanaba, Died In Delta County Head-On Tractor Trailer Truck Accident Along U.S. 2 In The Upper Peninsula
DELTA COUNTY, MICHIGAN (January 28, 2023) – Two people identified as Gerald Weaver and Tara Weaver were injured in a Delta County semi-truck accident on U.S. 2.
Delta County officials are saying that the collision took place around 3:55 p.m. on Friday. A semi-truck driver lost control of his rig and started to drift.
The truck driver over-corrected and entered eastbound lanes of traffic before hitting a Toyota SUV transporting Gerald Weaver and Tara Weaver. A second driver in a Chevrolet SUV hit part of the semi-truck after the initial crash.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help all of the victims. A 38-year-old driver in the Chevrolet SUV sustained numerous broken bones and was taken to the hospital.
Sadly, Gerald Weaver and Tara Weaver both died as a result of their injuries. They are survived by three children.
Liability For Delta County Semi-Truck Accidents
Trucks are substantially more difficult to control than passenger vehicles. Many truck accidents occur when a truck driver is slightly off course and then they loose control due to an overcorrection. Overcorrecting or oversteering occurs when a driver abruptly turns the wheel more than necessary. There are a number of factors that could increase the odds of accidents caused by oversteering.
- Oversteering is more likely on roadways slick with ice or rain.
- Oversteering is more likely to occur with younger more inexperienced drivers.
- Oversteering is more likely to occur when drivers are ill or fatigued.
- Oversteering is more likely to occur when drivers are speeding.
Semi-truck drivers need to get a commercial license and undergo specialized training. Any person that drives a commercial truck must also follow all rules and regulations set forth in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. They must take periodic breaks during their shift and not drive beyond a 14 hour window in any given day. Fatigue, in particular, is one of the leading causes of truck accidents.
All drivers have a legal responsibility to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. Pursuant to Michigan Vehicle Code 257.627 Section 627, no person shall drive a motor vehicle at a speed greater than would be reasonable or prudent given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that enters into opposing lanes of traffic before a collision. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- The truck’s maintenance logbook should be reviewed.
- The truck’s event data recorder should be examined.
Evidence is what will ultimately determine liability for any crash regardless of what a truck company may claim. The family of any person that died due to the negligent actions of a truck driver may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral costs. It is extremely important that all evidence is properly preserved after any crash.
Investigating A Delta County Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Gerald Weaver and Tara Weaver. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. The truck company involved in this crash should do the right thing and accept responsibility for what happened. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place.
Do you need more information about a Delta 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 any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
