Fatal truck accident leads to two lawsuits in Tarrant County

Four college students were killed when truck collided with bus

A fatal truck accident in Oklahoma that killed four members of a college softball team from Texas has resulted in two lawsuits being filed in Tarrant County, according to the Dallas Morning News. The accident happened when the truck crossed a highway median and collided with a bus carrying the softball team. The lawsuit alleges that the driver was distracted at the time of the crash and accuses the trucking firm of negligence.

Horrific crash

The crash happened Sept. 26 on Interstate 35 near the Texas border. The bus carrying the softball team was heading south back to Gainseville when a truck heading north, driven by a Saginaw man, crossed the center median and plowed into the bus. Investigators have said that although the truck may have decelerated before hitting the bus, it nonetheless crossed the median at 70 mph without braking or swerving. Three people on the bus died at the scene while another person succumbed to her injuries in hospital.

The 53-year-old truck driver initially told investigators that he was distracted after looking for his drink and missing his exit, according to the Fort-Worth Star Telegram. While police continue to investigate the accident, federal authorities have indicated that depending on the investigation safety improvements may be on the way for the section of the highway where the crash occurred.

Two lawsuits

The families of two women who were on the bus have since launched lawsuits against both the truck driver and his employer. The lawsuits allege that the driver was distracted and this distraction led to the crash. Furthermore, the lawsuits accuse the truck firm of being negligent in allowing the man to drive the 18-wheeler.

Both of the lawsuits are seeking a trial jury and in excess of $1 million in damages. The lawsuits are also trying to get the driver’s employer to release his employment and safety records.

Truck safety

Trucks pose a significant risk to other drivers on the road. Not only are these vehicles much larger, and therefore much more dangerous if involved in an accident, but their drivers may suffer from various forms of negligence, including distracted driving and fatigue. Drivers who are pushed by employers to meet stressful demands may be particularly prone to cutting safety corners.

Anybody who has been involved in a truck accident knows how devastating such incidents can be. An experienced personal injury attorney can help victims navigate the often complicated legal and financial consequences that arise following a truck crash. By relying on a qualified attorney, victims will have the peace of mind they need to focus on recovering from their pain and injuries.