Personal Injury Law

2 killed by sleeping truck driver

By Ryan Bradley, Esq.

Yasmin Jackson, 19, and Kevetta Davis, 19, were killed Friday when a truck driver who fell asleep at the wheel crashed into their SUV on I-57 in Southern Illinois.

The truck driver, identified as Dennis Hernandez, 38, was transporting equipment for musician and TV star Bret Michaels when he fell asleep, crossed the center line, and crashed into Jackson?s SUV as well as a pickup.

The passengers in the pickup, William Wiley, 63, and Colleen Wiley, 59, both suffered major injuries and were flown to Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Hernandez suffered minor injuries.

According to the Post Dispatch, Hernandez was charged with driving on a suspended license as well as several other traffic violations.

An investigation into the accident, including the truck driver?s log books, will reveal whether Hernandez violated any other Motor Carrier Regulations that might have contributed to this tractor-trailer accident. One of the most commonly violated rules is the Hours of Service Regulation which limits the amount of time drivers can be behind the wheel so they are not driving on short rest.

Full post as published by Missouri Accident Lawyer Blog on September 28, 2008 (boomark / email).