Log Truck Driver Killed in Accident in Tyler County, Texas

A log truck driver was killed in an accident involving a log truck and a flatbed trailer on US-287 in Tyler County.  The accident occurred yesterday morning north of Woodville. Initial investigations indicate that the flatbed trailer driver had stopped at the intersection of FM256. The driver failed to yield the right of way to the log truck, and pulled out into the path of the truck. The resulting collision killed the log truck driver. He has been identified as a 42-year-old man from Chester.

Among the 5,000 or so fatalities that occur every year in truck accidents across the country, several are the truckers themselves. Truck driver fatalities are less frequent than fatalities in smaller vehicles. A trucker may enjoy relative security and safety high up in his cab.  A crash has to have a devastating impact for it to cause a trucker death. Very often, truck driver fatalities involve accidents with other 18-wheelers.

In our practice as Texas truck accident attorneys, we frequently come across injured trucking drivers and families of truckers killed in accidents. Over the years, we have found that most truckers are good, solid, hard working people. We have also found them to be not always as aware and informed of their rights as they should be.

 Most truckers don't know that there are laws beyond Workers' Compensation that protect them when they are injured. For a severely injured trucker, the realization that his injuries will prevent him from ever driving a rig again can be devastating. These people aren't trained to do other work, and Workers' Compensation payouts out can be painfully negligible.

In any fatal or serious accident involving a truck driver, any of the following parties could be named in a claim.

• Other truck or tractor trailer drivers
• Other motorists involved in the accident
• State agencies responsible for the construction, maintenance and repairs of highways
• Other agencies like utility companies

It's important that an injured truck driver speak with a Texas truck accident lawyer to understand his rights after an injury. Similarly, families of deceased truck drivers may also have the right to file a wrongful death claim against responsible parties.  Please contact us to find out your rights at 1-800-282-2122 or e-mail us at info@smslegal.com.