Indiana Injury And Family Lawyer BlogSeven Killed in Trucking Accident on Indiana Toll Road
Seven people, including an infant, were killed in a recent Indiana car accident. It all happened when a semi-truck slammed into the back of a family’s minivan. Ten people were in that van and were all believed to have been related, according to FOX News.According to state police Sgt. Trent Smith, none of the occupants of the van were wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. The crash happened just 10 miles east of South Bend on the Indiana Toll Road between Bristol and Middlebury.
Our Highland car accident attorneys understand the dangers of traffic accidents that involve a semi-truck or other large vehicle. The weight and size of these vehicles can produce serious and deadly results on those who are in passenger vehicles. Investigators believe that this accident happened as the van either slowed or stopped because of an unrelated accident. When the family slowed or stopped the van, the semi slammed into them at nearly 70 miles per hour. Investigators are still looking to the exact cause.
This is another unfortunate example as to why we continuously urge motorists to be extremely cautious when driving on roadways with semis, especially during the holiday season, when traffic is expected to increase.
Officers report that not even the infant was buckled in at the time of the accident.
Investigators report that the minivan had license plates from Illinois. Family members from the Chicago area are coming to the area to help to identify the victims.
The preliminary investigation concluded that the driver of the semi had not been under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the accident. He was not seriously injured.
In the accident, the infant, the infant’s mother, an 8-year-old boy, a 15-year-old boy, his father, and 8-year-old girl and her mother were killed. All were pronounced dead at the scene. Two who were injured were taken with the semi driver to the Elkhart General Hospital.
The accident ended up blocking the toll road for several hours.
Motorists should be extra careful for large trucks when traveling along interstate roadways.
Motorist tips from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration:
-Never cut in front of a semi. Large vehicles take longer to stop than our passenger vehicles.
-Always wear a seat belt. These may be your best defense against injury or death in the event of a serious accident.
-Stay out of a truck’s blind spots. These are areas around the truck that a driver cannot see by using its mirrors. Remember that if you can’t see a truck driver, then they can’t see you.
-Never turn in between a semi and a curb. These trucks take wide turn and can squeeze you into these areas.
-Never follow too closely.
-Always drive defensively. Nearly 70 percent of all fatal accidents are caused by aggressive driving behaviors.
If you or a family member has been involved in a trucking accident in Indiana, call Burton Padove for a free consultation to learn about how to ensure receipt for financial compensation for injuries you or others sustain at 219-836-2200 or 877-446-5294 for nationwide callers.
More Blog Entries:
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Ball State Office of Health Education Rally against Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Indiana, Indiana Injury And Family Lawyer Blog, October 7, 2011
New Proposal to Ban Hand-Held Devices Aims to Reduce Risks of Trucking Accidents in Highland and Elsewhere, Indiana Injury And Family Lawyer Blog, September 19, 2011