Autauga County: Fatal Collision Involving Two Tractor Trailers on Interstate 65

Fatal Collision on Interstate 65 in Autauga County Involving Two Eighteen Wheelers

A fatal car collision involving two Tractor-Trailers shut down the northbound section of Interstate 65 in Autauga County, Alabama on Monday, May 14, 2019. The collision occurred near mile marker 195 after a 2006 Peterbilt tractor-trailer crossed the median from the southbound portion of I-65 and collided with the eighteen wheeler being operated by Mr. Robert Atherton of Camden, South Carolina. Mr. Robert Atherton, 56, was pronounced dead at the scene according to officials with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The other driver was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of those involved in the collision as they go through this difficult time.

§ Section 32-5A-90 — Driving on divided highways.

Whenever any highway has been divided into two or more roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section so construed as to impede vehicular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right-hand roadway unless directed or permitted to use another roadway by official traffic-control devices or police officers. No vehicle shall be driven over, across or within any such dividing space, barrier or section, except through an opening in such physical barrier or dividing section or space or at a cross-over or intersection as established, unless specifically prohibited by public authority.

Liability in Trucking Accidents

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations (FMCSA) operators of commercial vehicles have a duty to maintain proper lookout so as to better enable the driver to take evasive action if necessary. Driving responsibly includes keeping a lookout for hazards that can be reasonably anticipated. Inadequate evasive action is when a driver fails to execute a proper maneuver that would avoid a collision. This could include things like failing to slow down for stopped traffic or abruptly steering to avoid an object or vehicle.

Based on data from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, inadequate evasive action is a primary or contributing factor in 14 percent of large-truck crashes. Heavy-duty tractor trailers can take 20-40 percent farther than passenger vehicles to stop, which means that truck drivers must constantly scan their driving environment to react in a safe and timely manner.

Inadequate evasive action may be defined as situations when drivers fail to execute a proper evasive maneuver by not using sufficient steering inputs, not braking appropriately, or a combination of insufficient steering and braking inputs. This may include drivers failing to slow in advance for stopped or stopping traffic, and abrupt steering maneuvers to avoid a vehicle, or object. A 2005 study reported that 14 percent of safety-critical events occurred when the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver executed an inadequate evasive action.

Stokes Stemle Law Firm Can Help

Have you or someone that you care about been involved in a truck accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of Montgomery truck accident attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. Whether you just have questions about your rights or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (334) 316-4123.