Illinois Man Dies in I-70 Crash Near Terre Haute

Tanner L. Carpenter of Marshall, Illinois, age 23 was killed in an early morning crash on Interstate 70 near Terre Haute on Wednesday, December 16^th.

According to police, Carpenter lost control of his 2005 Ford Mustang which spun and struck concrete barriers on a bridge several times.   According to Sgt. Matt Ames of the Indiana State Police the 2005 Mustang became disabled and stopped in the passing lane.

Photo From Tribune-Star

Unfortunately, the Mustang was then struck in the driver side door by a 2014 Freightliner driven by Jose Hector Gurrola-Rodriguez, 27, of Mexico.

The impact of the Freightliner forced Carpenter’s mustang into the I-70 median.  Tragically, Carpenter died at the scene.  Preliminary investigation indicates speeds too fast for the road conditions.

Semi Drivers are Held to a Higher Standard When the Weather is Bad

Section 392.14 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations provides that: Extreme caution in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle shall be exercised when hazardous conditions, such as those caused by snow, ice sleet…adversely affect visibility or traction.  Speed shall be reduced when such conditions exist.

The Indiana Commercial Drivers License Manual provides as follows: Section 2.6 Controlling Speed.  Slippery Surfaces.  It will take longer to stop and it will be harder to turn without skidding when the road is slippery.  You must drive slower to be able to stop in the same distance as on a dry road.  Wet roads can double stopping distance.  Reduce speed by about one-third on a wet road.  On packed snow, reduce speed by half, or more.  If the surface is icy, reduce speed to a crawl and stop driving as soon as you can safely do so.  In addition, Section 2.13.2 of the CDL Manual instructs drivers to adjust speed to conditions.  Don’t pass slower vehicles unless necessary and watch far enough ahead to keep a steady speed.

Involved in a Winter Collision?

These types of cases can be complicated and often involve fault on both drivers.  If you are involved in a crash this winter 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 to prove that the truck driver or trucking company involved should be held liable for damages, regardless of weather conditions. You can reach us online by filling out a contact form, and a representative from our office will get in touch with your shortly.

Learn more about motor vehicle accidents from our attorney David Craig on his video podcast After The Crash (also available on YouTube Podcasts).