Winston-Salem, NC — May 16, 2024, seven people were injured following a multi-vehicle truck accident shortly before 9:00 a.m. along U.S. Highway 52.

A multi-vehicle crash in Winston-Salem on Thursday morning left four people seriously injured. According to authorities, the incident occurred on southbound U.S. 52 at Akron Drive and involved six vehicles. The crash was initiated by an 18-wheeler which failed to reduce speed and collided with a stopped car, causing a domino effect that impacted four other vehicles.

The driver of a Chevrolet Sonic, along with the driver and passengers of a Chevrolet Blazer, sustained serious injuries and were transported to a hospital. The occupants of a Kenworth, Mazda, and Ram vehicle suffered minor injuries. The man behind the wheel of the 18-wheeler was not injured and has been cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identities of the injured victims—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When people hear about a multi-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck, they might quickly assume it's a straightforward case of driver error. In my experience, these situations are rarely that simple. Let's look at some key questions that need to be answered to fully understand what happened here.

First, why did the truck driver fail to reduce speed? Was it a matter of distraction, fatigue, or inadequate training? It's crucial to determine if the driver was properly trained and if there were any external factors, such as fatigue, that might have impaired their ability to react appropriately. Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are well-trained and rested.

Next, we need to examine the trucking company's policies and maintenance practices. Was the truck properly maintained? Did it have any mechanical issues that might have contributed to the crash? Regular maintenance checks are supposed to catch any problems before they lead to incidents like this. If the truck had mechanical problems, then the company's maintenance practices need to be scrutinized.

Finally, we must consider whether the trucking company's scheduling practices might have played a role. Are drivers being pressured to meet tight deadlines at the expense of safety? Unrealistic schedules can push drivers to take risks that they otherwise wouldn't, such as speeding or skipping rest breaks.

What do all these questions have in common? They can't be answered by looking at the crash scene alone. In my experience, a thorough investigation goes beyond the immediate aftermath of the crash to uncover underlying issues that may have contributed to the incident. Authorities may provide some answers, but often, it requires additional investigation to get the full picture. Only then can we ensure that the right people are held accountable and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.