Texas Semi Driver Killed in 3 Commercial Vehicle Collision on I-70 in Morgan County

State Police were called to investigate a collision near the 52 mile marker on eastbound I-70 in Morgan County just after midnight on Thursday, June 10^th.   According to the Indiana State Police Bulletin, preliminary investigation showed that Alfred Hill Jr., age 37, of Houston, Texas was attempting to set out emergency triangles around his 2001 Mack truck and trailer than had become disabled and was partially in the driving lane of I-70.  It was noted there was no lighting.  Another semi driver, Amer Al Fatlawi, age 39, of Lincoln, Nebraska was traveling in the eastbound driving lane of I-70 in his 1996 Freightliner observed the disabled semi at the last second and tried to swerve into the passing lane, but collided with another semi driven by Christopher Lyles, age 39, of Griffin, Georgia.  This collision forced both semis into the driving lane of eastbound I-70 striking Hill and his disabled Mack truck.  All 3 semis ended up in the ditch.  Hill was killed, Al Fatlawi was airlifted to Methodist hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and Lyles sustained no injuries in the collision.

Thursdays – Indiana Trucking Industry’s Most Deadly Day of the Week

It is no surprise that large truck crashes occur more frequently during the weekday when many companies have semi-tractor and trailers moving freight all across the U.S.  But, in 2018 Thursdays saw more crashes and fatalities than any other day of the week in Indiana (168 crashes and 209 fatalities).  By Thursday many drivers are likely becoming fatigued from the work week and the many hours and miles they have driven and as a result are becoming less alert to what is happening around them.  2018 is not the only year we have seen this.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System every year since 2011 with the exception of 2 years, Thursday was the day with the highest number of truck crashes in Indiana.  For more insight and stats on this data visit: Fatal-Thursdays

Warning Triangles and Inadequate Evasive Action

It seems these types of accidents are happening more and more often.   The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations states that when a breakdown or accident occurs the driver should ensure that the area is secure and turn on the four-way flashers on the vehicle.  Within 10 minutes of stopping the driver is to set out warning devices and notify the company of what happened in clear details.   It is also important for all drivers to maintain a proper lookout take adequate evasive action.  According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a 2005 study reported that 14 percent of safety-critical events occurred when the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver executed an inadequate evasive action.  Things happen quick on our interstates and its important for all drivers to be alert and attentive to all surroundings to keep us all safer.

Involved in a Collision with a Semi-Tractor or Trailer?

If you are involved in a crash caused by another motorist in Indiana, our knowledgeable accident lawyers are ready to help. A trucking accident can be devastating if you have suffered serious injuries, or if you have lost a loved one. Please call our talented Indiana truck accident lawyers at the law offices of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. We will help you determine the cause of the wreck and hold those responsible accountable. You can reach us online by filling out a contact form, and a representative from our office will get in touch with your shortly.

I would invite you to check out my recently published book Semitruck Wreck: A Guide for Victims and Their Families as well as my “After the Crash Podcast” videos on Youtube where I discuss in detail things that you will find helpful, especially if you’ve been in a recent crash.