News outlets are reporting that a Fairmont man has died as a result of injuries he sustained from a car wreck. On Wednesday, Ryan Gross, a 2012 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School, was traveling on Interstate 79 when a semi-truck merged into his lane causing his car to hit the back of the tractor trailer and over turn. Gross was taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital where he later died from injury complications. The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured in the wreck.
Students at Fairmont Senior High School are asked to wear camoflauge to school in honor of Mr. Gross as he was an avid hunter and outdoorsman.
Truck accidents in the United States cause thousands of injuries and deaths a year. According to numbers compiled in 2008 by the United States Department of Transportation, there are nearly a half million trucking accidents each year in the United States, meaning one out of every eight motor vehicle accidents involves a commercial truck. Of the half a million collisions, over 5,000 people are killed. In fact, of the 5,000 yearly casualties, that are caused by trucking accidents, 98% of those deaths happen to other drivers, not the truck drivers.
The USDOT study from 2008 shows that:
· 73,046 injuries occurred as a result of commercial trucking accidents and 16,760 injuries came as a result of accidents involving buses.
· 2,609 large trucks and 11 buses were involved in accidents where hazardous chemicals were implicated.
· 68% of all fatal truck accidents occur in rural areas.
· Accidents involving truck drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the leading causes of commercial trucking accidents that cause deaths.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed due to a trucking accident, it is important to consult with an attorney experienced in truck collisions. The trucking industry is highly regulated. After a truck collision, it will be important to determine the route the truck driver was one, whether the driver had gotten enough sleep prior to the wreck, whether the driver’s scheduled stop allowed for ample rest, and whether or not the driver was on some type of drug that would hinder driving. For more information on the dangers of truck accidents or to talk with an experienced truck accident lawyer, contact us today.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
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