Semi truck hits two changing a tire

The two people killed in this case did not stand a chance. An 18-wheeler hit their vehicle on I-10 near Vinton. The victims were changing a tire under the Vernon overpass when the truck, driven by 61-year-old Patrick O’Leary, ran into them.

The trucker was arrested and booked into the county jail. His bail was set at $400,000.

In this instance, it was not made clear just why the trucker did run into the vehicle under the underpass and the police indicated they would be investigating further to determine what happened. There are any one of a number of things that may have caused the wreck, including, but not limited to distracted driving, a mechanical problem or a fatigued driver.

Truck accident cases are very complex, as they tend to involve rules and regulations in different jurisdictions, numerous insurance companies and multiple defendants and attorneys trying to mitigate damages or get the case dismissed.

If you have been involved in an accident with a big rig, do not under any circumstances speak with an insurance agent for the trucking company or talk to an attorney for the trucking firm. They are not your friends and anything you say, no matter how innocent it might seem, will come back to haunt you later. Tell anyone who asks that you for information that they should have your attorney contact them, even if you do not have one hired. It is imperative you have legal representation in trucking accident cases.
