I-70 Semi-Crash Involving 3 Trucks – A Legal Analysis

Post Date: July 1st, 2010

On June 7, 2010, a very serious wreck occurred involving three tractor-trailer semi trucks. Involved in the crash were Randall Huff of London, Kentucky, Rodney Harrison of Wellington, Missouri, and Piotr Kwiatkowski of Newington, Connecticut. According to the reports, the accident occurred when Freightliner semi-truck driven by Randall Huff lost control and ran off the left side of the roadway. Huff’s tractor-trailer struck the median and crossed into the westbound traffic lanes. In doing so, he collided into the Peterbilt semi-truck driven by Rodney Garrison. This collision caused both 18-wheelers to overturn in the roadway. Finally, as the 2007 Freightliner driven by Piotr Kwiatkowski approached, he attempted to avoid the overturned trucks but was unable to do so and struck the rear of Garrison’s truck.

This is an example of the destruction that can be caused by one inattentive truck driver. Unfortunately, the injuries were very severe. Both Huff and Kwiatkowski were lifeflighted from the scene due to the severity of their injuries.

As a Premier Missouri Truck Accident Lawyer, I have been involved in numerous cases involving truck on truck accidents. These cases prevent a different spin than a general truck accident. First, the injuries are often much more severe just by virtue of the massive size of these machines. Thus, in order to obtain the largest truck accident settlement, these cases often involve getting the not only the best medical experts, but also the best illustrations of these injuries. This requires a law firm with the resources to put into the case. It is not uncommon for these cases to cost upwards of several hundred thousands of dollars in expenses. For example, we will often obtain illustrations to illustrate invasive medical treatment such as the following:

Beyond fully illustrating the injuries so as to maximize the settlement in these cases, the issue of why the wreck occurred must be fully explored. For example, what is not currently being reported is why Huff ran off the road to begin with. As in all truck accident cases, this examination should begin with the driver’s logs. By focusing on semi-truck accident cases, our firm has developed an intense knowledge of the trucking industry and the many requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations which govern virtually every aspect of a trucker’s operations. The initial questions that should be answered is whether Huff lost control due to fatigue from driving over the alloted hours. Often times, when we find violations of the FMCSR’s, it is not only the truck driver who should be held responsible, but the truck company can also be subject to punitive damages for keeping a blind eye to their driver’s dangerous tendencies.

It is likely that the Missouri Highway Patrol has conducted an extensive investigation resulting in a reconstruction report, although such is not being reported. Of course, what is most important at this time is the health of those involved. Certainly we wish the best to both Huff and Kwiatkowski and hope for speedy recoveries.

Josh Myers is President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz Myers, LLC. The firm specializes in severe personal injuries cases throughout all of Missouri and focuses primarily on heavy tractor-trailer crashes. Myers is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, membership of which is reserved for only those attorneys who have recovered multi-million dollar recoveries in a single case. He has also been recognized in the 2010 issue of Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyer’s publication. He can be reached toll-free at 877-SUE-TRKS. He offers free case consultations and accepts all cases on a contingency fee basis meaning there are never any fees until and unless the firm recovers on the client’s behalf.