The negligent acts of a truck driver can have devastating effects. When commercial tractor trailers are involved in accidents, those impacted are likely to suffer serious and even potentially fatal injuries. Such was the case in a recent truck accident that killed six people.

The fatal crash occurred along a stretch of two-lane highway. Several vehicles had stopped as a highway work crew paved a section of the road. A tractor-trailer failed to slow down or stop and smashed into the back of one vehicle which set off a chain reaction leading to a large pile-up.

An SUV burst into flames killing all five occupants, four of whom were in the same family. The sixth fatality was that of a 59-year-old woman whose SUV flipped over due to the force of the accident. One road crew worker also sustained serious injuries when his truck burst into flames. He remains in critical condition at a nearby hospital.

The 45-year-old truck driver who caused the accident submitted to toxicology tests and has been released. Police are investigating the cause of the accident and determining whether to file any charges against the man.

Road conditions were not a factor in the crash and there was ample signage alerting motorists of roadwork and warning them to slow down or stop. Sadly six individuals are now dead due to one truck driver's failure to pay attention and abide traffic laws.

Families of individuals killed in motor vehicle accidents may want to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Monies recovered under wrongful death claims can help ease financial burdens associated with funeral expenses and loss of income.

Source: The Patriot News, "Myerstown truck driver started chain-reaction crash that killed 6 in New York, police say," The Associated Press, July 20, 2012