Sherri Burks Killed in Clarksville, TN, 18-wheeler Accident
Clarksville, TN -- July 18, 2017, Sherri Burks was fatally injured following an accident where her vehicle and an 18-wheeler collided on the interstate.
Troopers from the Tennessee Highway Patrol were called out to the accident scene at around 10:30 p.m. They say it happened along the westbound lanes of I-24 near the M. L. K. Jr. Parkway exit.
According to preliminary investigations, 21-year-old Burks was traveling along westbound lanes of the interstate. For reasons not entirely made clear, her vehicle crashed into the back of an 18-wheeler, lodging beneath the trailer.
Burks was seriously injured in the collision, and officials say that Burks died at the scene. The driver of the truck was not hurt.
Police have not reported what factors might have contributed to the accident.
Map of the Area
Commentary
There's common misconception that anytime someone crashes into the rear-end of another vehicle, then they're at fault for the accident. This actually isn't the case, and certain factors can change who is held liable for a rear-end accident. Was there a mechanical failure of some sort? Did the front vehicle have working lights? Did they signal properly? These are just a few questions that need to be taken into account, and yet I've often found police investigations rely heavily on the common belief that the rear-end driver is always at fault.
There's no way for me determine who is or isn't liable for this particular accident based solely on what's been released to the public, but I do know that when someone loses their life in an accident, no effort should be spared in ensuring that the full story is brought to light. Even if an independent investigation doesn't reveal new information, it can still offer those affected a sense of closure--however small--during a time of hardship.
--Grossman Law Offices
[jump]