Ricky Lee Ross Killed in Union County, AR, 18-wheeler Accident
Union County, AR -- January 23, 2017, Ricky Lee Ross was killed following an accident in which his 18-wheeler crashed off the highway.
According to a report released by the Arkansas State Police, the accident took place around 10:30 a.m. just outside the town of Huttig.
The preliminary investigation indicates that 52-year-old Ross was traveling southbound along Highway 129 in a Peterbilt tractor-trailer. For reasons that aren't clear, the 18-wheeler crossed over into northbound lanes before eventually running off the side of the road. The truck then crashed head-on into a tree.
The police report states that Ross was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash at 1:30 p.m. At this time, no factors involved in the accident have been suggested.
State troopers continue to investigate the fatal accident. No further details are currently available.
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Commentary
A lot of people out there have readily accused our firm of being anti-trucker simply because we sue negligent trucking companies. The truth is that personal injury and wrongful death lawyers are simply anti-negligence. When I read an accident like this one, I approach it the same way I would any accident--wait for all of the details before drawing any conclusions. Most people see a single-vehicle truck accident and think, "oh the guy was either speeding or fell asleep at the wheel." While either of these could certainly be the case, making those kinds of assumptions is nothing more than irresponsible conjecture.
I've seen enough truck accidents to know that a lot of truckers over the years have fallen victim to factors beyond their control. One such possibility is mechanical failure of some sort. There are plenty of responsible trucking companies out there who make sure their drivers drive safe hours, and that their vehicles pass all necessary inspections. However, there are some bad apples out there ruining the reputations of professional trucking companies by cutting corners and putting drivers everywhere at risk, including their own.
There are trucking companies out there who prioritize profits over safety, and they have been directly responsible for accidents just like this one. Why waste time and money getting a truck repaired when there are shipments to be made? Might as well risk it, right? Well the problem is the thing that needs repaired is probably going to breakdown while the truck is driving. Faulty break lines, shoddy transmissions, old tires--all of these things can suddenly fail on a driver at highway speeds, sending them off into a ditch, a tree, or even another motorist.
Companies like this are out there, and all too often their negligence results in someone's injury or death. Whether or not a mechanical failure was responsible for this particular accident still remains to be seen. The best thing to do after any accident is to ensure that a thorough, independent investigation is conducted. The sooner a professional looks over the accident, the less power a shady trucking company has over the situation. Gathering crucial details promptly gives victims and their families a chance to even the odds and, if their accident was the result of someone's negligence, to pursue the compensation they deserve.
--Grossman Law Offices
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