September 8, 2014 - RHOME, TEXAS - A 50-year-old Rhome, Texas woman was killed in a four-vehicle accident that closed State Highway 114 for several hours Monday night, according to Texas Department of Public Safety officials.
Jamie Richardson was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident in the 15900 block of State Highway 114 at South County Line Road in Denton County, said Sgt. Lonny Haschel, DPS spokesman. Haschel said a semi pulling a box trailer was traveling west on Highway 114 at about 6:45 p.m. when the driver, 49-year-old Richard Grady of Del Valle, saw that an eastbound Freightliner hauling rocks had crossed into the westbound lane. Grady took evasive action but the semi was still struck by the eastbound tractor. The Freightliner then struck a Hyundai Elantra driven by Richardson and a Chevrolet Tahoe that was traveling westbound behind Richardson. The Freightliner then overturned and dumped its load of rocks on the highway.
The driver, 60-year-old David McMinn of North Richland Hills, was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth via air ambulance. Grady and 41-year-old Gaylon Presson of Boyd, the driver of the Tahoe, were treated at the scene and released, officials said. It was the third fatal accident reported in Denton County in two weeks, officials said.
Big Rigs or Semi’s are moving tons of steel and deadly just by their huge size and weight. They have to be aware of other drivers around them and especially of changes in the driving conditions that can change or affect the handling or control of these machines. Stopping distances change, the slide or jackknife among many many variables. Federal and State law requires that these truck maintain good maintenance and keep records to that affect.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motor vehicle, truck, semi, or big rig accident the office of Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C. is experienced in investigating these devastating types of accidents and can help provide answers. Call someone who knows and can protect your rights. Usually in these types of accidents the trucking companies have begun preparing for a defense of a claim within hours of the accident. Call us toll free 1-866-408-0940 for a free consultation.