Family of Four Killed in Fatal Semi-Truck Accident

11 Mar Family of Four Killed in Fatal Semi-Truck Accident

On their way to Dallas for a medical procedure last weekend, a Missouri family of four was struck from behind by a 2007 Freightliner at an intersection in Pryor, Oklahoma. The driver, 53-year old James Buchholz has been charged with four counts of negligent homicide for the deaths of Robert and Melissa Hayes and their two sons, 15-year old Tyler and 14-year-old Cody. Local news coverage quoted Buchholz as telling police “I don’t know what happened. I might have fell asleep.”
Motorists should be aware of the dangers associated with semi-truck accidents. Statistics show that each year thousands of motorists are killed or severely injured by the negligent operation of truck drivers. Mechanical failures, reckless driving, and improper driver training account for a lot of the semi-truck accidents each year, but the overwhelming cause of semi-truck accidents is driver fatigue. In a recent survey, almost 20% of truckers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at least once in the previous three months.

Buchholz was arrested at the Mayes County Medical Center Monday, February 10. According to state statutes in Oklahoma, each count is punishable upon conviction of a $100-$1000 fine and up to one year in prison.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a motor vehicle accident involving a semi truck, contact a Truck Accident Attorney.