Georgia Trucker Killed in Fiery Tractor Trailer Accident
Recently, a Georgia truck driver tragically perished in a fiery crash in Newnan, according to 11 Alive News. The 46 year old driver was traveling along Interstate 85 when the front of the tractor trailer struck a guardrail. The truck then hit a concrete traffic barrier. An explosion followed with the large tractor trailer bursting into flames. Sadly, the driver could not escape from the vehicle and died in the crash.
Vehicle Fires are One of the Most Common Causes of Fatalities
For both truck and car accidents alike, fires are a primary cause of fatalities and serious injuries. Trucks and motor vehicles contain several types of flammable materials, including gasoline and oil, as well as combustibles like hoses. Fuel leaks from ruptured fuel lines can also ignite quickly. Vehicles have multiple potential sources for ignition, and trucks have additional sources. Possible causes for ignition include electrical devices that short circuit, air bag detonators, hot exhaust systems and accidents that lead to fuel ruptures.
In the event of a serious car or truck accident, it is important to get yourself and your loved ones out of the vehicle as quickly as possible. This is particularly important if you hear fluid leaking from the vehicle, which could signify a fuel leak. Call 911 as soon as possible and move away from the vehicle to the nearest safe location. Assist young children, injured passengers or elderly individuals out of the vehicle. If you are involved in any truck accident where the vehicle is carrying flammable material, generally signified on the outside of the truck, get out of the vicinity of the truck as quickly as possible. Trucks carrying flammable materials are far more likely to erupt in the case of a serious accident and could inflict devastating injuries.
The good news is that trucks today are equipped with a number of safety features that have reduced the risk of fire in the event of a crash. Trucks themselves use diesel fuel, which has a higher flash point than regular gasoline. Truck manufacturers generally follow guidelines as to the location of battery boxes and the storage of flammable materials, all intended to reduce the risk of fires. Even still, despite some advances, trucks and cars alike can catch fire in the event of a crash.
If you are injured in a truck accident involving a fire, contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will investigate the crash to uncover whether negligence on the part of the truck driver, another driver or the vehicle manufacturer played a role in the crash.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Zealous Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact the Georgia Truck Accident Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law. Our firm is dedicated to assisting those injured in all manner of traffic accidents across Georgia and in the Southeast and we bring over 39 years of experience to your personal injury case. The sooner you act after your injury, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery. As such, it is important that you seek the assistance of a licensed lawyer as soon as possible. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.