Last week, two Missouri truck accidents rocked our state’s highways. Studying the radically different outcomes of these two accidents might be useful for you, if you or someone you love was recently hurt or seriously injured in an auto or truck accident in Missouri or Illinois.
Accident # 1 – Truck and Train Smash into Each Other in La Plata
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that William E. Swetnam, a 59-year-old from Moberly, pulled his trailer tractor onto some train tracks, just as a 2008 General Electric locomotive roared his way. The collision between the tractor trailer and the train did create serious carnage: the truck was totaled, and Swetnam suffered moderate injuries and needed to be air-lifted to University Hospital in nearby Columbia. Robert J. Becker, the driver of the train, did not suffer any injuries.
Accident # 2 – Nissan Pickup Truck Flips Over on Highway 68, Killing Two Men
Another more tragic situation struck Highway 68. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that 39-year-old Corey Wilson and 39-year-old James Duluca died after Wilson’s 1995 Nissan pickup flipped over during an ill-timed course correction. Both men had not been wearing their seatbelts – they were flung out of the car, and they died at the scene of the crash. Wilson was the son of St. James’ mayor, Dennis Wilson. Remarkably and tragically, the Duluca and Wilson accident was the second double fatality car accident to strike the St. James area in a single 24-hour time period.
A Tragedy and a Near Tragedy – Lessons We Can Learn
What distinguishes a fatal or serious Missouri car truck crash from a relatively minor event?
The answer often boils down to just a few random pertinent details. For instance, although we obviously can’t make any conclusions about the two aforementioned accidents without really investigating the details, perhaps we can at least respectfully speculate.
Consider what might have changed had the two men in the Nissan worn their seatbelts. They still might have been seriously hurt during the truck flip, but they might not have been ejected from the vehicle and killed on the scene. Alternatively, consider the luck of the tractor truck driver — a slightly different angle and speed of the collision could have easily killed him. His vehicle did sustain serious damage, but he managed to survive the interaction.
These news stories highlight how small, subtle, potentially easily overlooked elements can powerfully influence not only the medical outcomes for victims but also the legal strategies that could be deployed. If you are seeking compensation for your pain, suffering, and other damages, look to the team here at Carey, Danis, and Lowe for proper help.
