Victims identified in Clark County Van and Semi Accident
The tragic accident in Clark County, Wisconsin on March 8 involved a collision between a tractor-trailer and a pickup truck, claiming the lives of members of the Amish community, as confirmed by the Clark County Sheriff’s Department.
Among the deceased are the driver of the tractor-trailer and eight individuals who were passengers in the van. The majority of the victims hailed from Tazewell County, Virginia. Family members of the Amish community had to undertake a journey to Wisconsin to address the aftermath of the accident and retrieve the lone survivor, a two-year-old child.
Victims include: Orrie Schrock, Ellen Schrock, Linda Byler, Lydia Byler, Deliliah Schrock and Susan Hertizer.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the tractor-trailer was traveling eastbound on STH 95 towards the intersection of CTH J. Simultaneously, a pickup truck was heading northbound on CTH J. The van, carrying the Amish individuals, proceeded northbound and tragically collided with the tractor-trailer at the intersection, which led to the devastating outcome.
In the scenario where a van is hit by a tractor-trailer truck resulting in fatalities, the victims’ families may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim against the party or parties responsible for the accident. Wrongful death claims typically arise when a person dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. Here’s how such a claim might unfold:
- Negligence: If the truck driver or the trucking company was negligent in operating the tractor-trailer, such as by speeding, driving under the influence, or violating traffic laws, they could be held liable for the accident.
- Breach of Duty: Truck drivers and trucking companies have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and adhere to regulations governing the trucking industry. If they fail to uphold this duty, and it leads to an accident resulting in death, they may be found to have breached that duty.
- Causation: The negligence or breach of duty must be directly linked to the accident and subsequent fatalities. In other words, it must be shown that the actions or inactions of the truck driver or the trucking company were the proximate cause of the accident and the resulting deaths.
- Damages: Wrongful death claims seek compensation for various damages, including funeral and burial expenses, medical bills related to the fatal injuries, loss of income and financial support, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering endured by the deceased before death.
- Legal Representation: Victims’ families typically seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney experienced in wrongful death claims to navigate the legal process and ensure their rights are protected. The attorney can investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent the families in court.
Our top national truck accident lawyers are here to help.