Pedestrian Struck and Killed on Interstate 44

By Zane T. Cagle | February 20, 2016 | Car Accidents, Featured, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death

Four-Vehicle Crash Results in Death of Pedestrian Outside Springfield, MO

Last night around 7 p.m., a 37 year-old Webb City man was struck and killed by a semi-truck on Interstate 44 west of Springfield, Missouri as he was apparently trying to aid another victim of a prior crash.  The victim was identified today as an adjunct faculty member at Missouri State University who has served almost 20 years as a military police officer and instructor. He was deployed to combat three times, earning the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, the Webb City man had exited his vehicle and was walking in front of his vehicle when his Toyota was struck from behind by a tractor trailer. A four-vehicle crash was the result involving a 2007 Toyota (victim’s vehicle) which was struck by a semi-truck and then struck a 2002 Ford Explorer driven by a 19 year old South Greenfield woman causing her to strike another tractor-trailer.

Interstates and Wrongful Death

Vehicles on the side of the interstate or busy highway are extremely dangerous.  There are many questions following this fatality and the Missouri Highway Patrol accident reconstruction experts investigate fatal car crashes.  Upon first reading of this article, immediately I want to know the speed at which the semi-truck was traveling and where the crash actually took place. Was the semi-truck driver driving within his/her stipulated minimum hours-0f-service and whether or not the truck driver was keeping a careful lookout.  We are left wondering if the semi-truck veered off the roadway and onto the shoulder before hitting the Toyota and of course, the circumstances of the prior accident must be evaluated.

It can make you become jaded about being a good Samaritan and assisting another driver after a crash and I do not want to tell people they cannot help others. However, before you attempt to assist another motorist, you have to be sure that you are doing so in a safe way.  ANYTIME you see a stalled car or a crash on a busy interstate or highway, first call 911 and ask for assistance.  Emergency personnel may advise you on whether or not you should stop or approach the crash and they may not want you to do so for fear of being injured yourself.

Interstate Crashes Resulting from Stranded Motorists or Motorists on the Shoulder

Unfortunately, we read about way too many of these type of tragic deaths in Missouri and Illinois.

In October, we saw the tragic death of a mother killed on Interstate 55 after she exited her vehicle after it broke down. As she exited the vehicle, a pick-up rear-ended her vehicle where her three buy real ativan online children were still secured. And even more bizarre was an article we wrote about a tractor trailer crash involving a line of motorcycles and a semi-truck that veered off Interstate 85 and hit several bikes only to stop half mile down the interstate. Later reports indicate the semi-truck driver may have fallen asleep and veered off the roadway taking out the motorcycles.

Crash Scenes are So Dangerous, Emergency Personnel are Even Struck

Pedestrians other passenger car drivers are not the only victims of being hit following a busy interstate crash.  Too often, I have written about troopers or emergency personnel being struck and killed or seriously injured as they worked a motor vehicle accident.  Other drivers have been known to hit vehicles even when there are emergency flashers, lights and warnings such as in a deadly Illinois Interstate 39 crash where a fire fighter was killed.

Earlier this year, two crashes involved other vehicles hitting police cruisers as the officers attempted to work serious crashes.  When it’s dangerous for the emergency personnel and they have the appropriate equipment, it is even more life-threatening for the regular driver.  So often, those attempts to help others turns into more victims.  Rarely, do we get hear hero stories such as the brothers in Chicago that pulled a mother and her daughter out of the flames of a semi-truck crash.  Unfortunately, those stories are far fewer than the stories of individuals attempting to help, then are seriously injured.

Injured in a Motor Vehicle Crash on an Interstate?

If you are involved in a motor vehicle crash on an interstate, you will want to call 911 immediately if you are able.  If you come upon a motor vehicle crash or a stranded vehicle, again, call 911 immediately. If you are injured, then you will most likely need legal assistance.  Calling authorities immediately not only addresses the injuries and risks of further crashes, but police are able to document the crash. That documentation will be critical when you go to make insurance claims.  Never leave the scene of the crash.

Even if it is a minor crash, contact 911. A minor crash can turn into a chain reaction multiple vehicle crash within seconds.

ALWAYS CALL 911 IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN ANY  TYPE OF INTERSTATE OR HIGHWAY CRASH

Our attorneys know how serious interstate crashes are and how seriously individuals can be injured or killed.  Following a crash, you should contact an expert personal injury attorney to be sure you receive the compensation you and your family will need.  We are available seven days a week for free, confidential consultations

Call us toll free (314) 276-1681 or locally 314.276.1681

About The Author

Zane T. Cagle

Zane T. Cagle is the founding president and lead trial attorney at The Cagle Law Firm. With a strong dedication to his clients, he has built a reputation for his tenacious representation in personal injury cases, ensuring each client's unique story is heard. Areas of Practice: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death. Bar Admissions: Supreme Court of Missouri, Illinois & Kentucky. Superior Court of U.S. Virgin Islands Education: Washington University School of Law. Awards: Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association, 10 Best in Missouri for Customer Satisfaction.

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