Pedestrian Hit by Big Rig on I-95 in Wilmington
A 44-year-old man was seriously injured recently after being struck by a tractor-trailer on I-95 in Wilmington. Newark County Paramedics treated him on the scene for his injuries before he was taken to Christiana Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.
According to DelawareOnline.com, the accident happened at 11:30am and caused a two-lane shutdown of the highway. State police Master Cpl. Jeffrey Hale said, “The investigation into this crash is in its early stages. More information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.” ABC Action News reports that the victim had tried to cross the northbound lanes of I-95 when he was struck and thrown into the road.
The dangers of colliding with a tractor trailer
Big rigs themselves aren’t inherently dangerous, but their sheer size makes them a formidable obstacle. Fully loaded, these trucks can weigh upwards of 80,000lbs. That’s over 40 tons. When you take into to account that the average vehicle weighs about one (1) ton, it’s easy to see how a collision between the two can be catastrophic. It is devastatingly so for pedestrians or bicycle riders involved in such crashes.
The high-profile case of actor Tracy Morgan’s big rig accident highlights just how dangerous they can be. The driver of the big rig that hit his limo van is alleged to have been awake and on the road for far too long, striking Morgan’s stopped vehicle at almost 50mph, leaving one friend dead and the other occupants in critical condition.
If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident with a big rig, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced Delaware truck accident attorneys at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman can help get you the compensation that you deserve. Visit our offices in Wilmington, Newark, or Seaford, or contact us today for a free consultation.
Attorney Jeffrey S. Friedman joined Silverman, McDonald & Friedman in 2001. He graduated from Widener University School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in Delaware and Pennsylvania, and in several Federal Circuit courts. He areas of concentration include auto accident and workers’ compensation cases. Read more about Attorney Friedman here.