A recent semi-truck crash resulted in the death of Brooks Brownlee, a popular and beloved member of the Brownlee Farms family.
According to authorities Brownlee was heading to Red Banks with a pick-up truck full of strawberries when he was struck by the semi-truck.
“When you see this thing, this accident, you know immediately that there was loss of life,” said witness Mike Garrison. Garrison lives near the intersection of Highway 302 and Cayce, the intersection where Brownlee was killed.
Garrison added that wrecks and traffic at this particular intersection are an ongoing problem. “This happens almost every week,” he said.
The semi-truck driver sustained minor was injuries but has since recovered.
Different Regulations
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, (FMCSA), motor vehicle crashes with semi-trucks are “complex events.” There are usually two or more vehicles involved and errors on the part of the semi-truck driver are most often the cause of the accident.
Commercial trucks are often owned by large companies and used to make cross country deliveries. Drivers rarely own the semi-truck, and most trucking companies have a different set of rules or requirement for drivers, as different policies regarding insurance, for different states.
To protect other drivers on the road as well as the truckers themselves, there is a list of federal regulations that all truck drivers are legally required to follow, for example – when truck drivers are transporting property, they are only allowed to drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, presumably to sleep.
If a truck driver is carrying any passengers, they can drive a maximum of 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours off duty. These protocols are in place to ensure the safety of truck drivers as well as other drivers on the road. Additionally, truck drivers are not permitted to drive if they are feeling ill, overtired, or if they are under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.
Complex events and driver error
Reports from the FMCSA indicate that the causation of a semi-truck versus car accident can take place “hours, days or months before the crash.” The reason, they opine, is that driver training, driver experience – or lack thereof – the design and condition of the truck, highway conditions and weather conditions are more of a factor when speaking in terms of a semi-truck accident than a traditional sized vehicle crash.
Greater injuries, greater damage
The average eighteen-wheel semi-truck weighs about 80,000 pounds – without any oversize or overweight permits. In comparison, the average mid-sized automobile weighs approximately 5,000 lbs.
An eighteen-wheel semi-truck is more than capable of decimating the average vehicle and inhabitants. Because of the massive weight difference, the driver of the car will normally sustain serious injuries when struck by a semi-truck – far more severe than injuries a two-car motor vehicle accident might produce.
Next Steps
If you or a loved one are involved in a crash with a semi-truck, please pay close attention to how you feel, both at the scene of the accident and hours after. While at the scene of the crash, gather all of the information that you can regarding the semi driver. Document everything with pictures, collect the semi-truck driver’s information and go immediately to the doctor for a full medical evaluation.
Call the Heilman Law Group immediately. We have the experience and to achieve success in the most complex personal injury cases – and get you the justice that you deserve.
Call 601-914-1025 to schedule a free consultation.
The Heilman Law Group is dedicated to listening to your specific needs and finding a resolution that provides the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Heilman Law Group, PA
4266 I-55 North
Suite 106
Jackson MS 39211
601-914-1025
