MEMPHIS, TN – A tragic road accident claimed the life of a truck driver when his semi-truck careened off the road into a retention pond in Memphis. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, around 2:15 p.m., in the southeastern part of the city, east of Memphis International Airport.
The Memphis Police have identified the driver as 50-year-old Bobby Coats. He was operating his 18-wheeler on East Shelby Drive when he seemingly lost control of the vehicle near Pleasant Hill Road. Preliminary reports suggest Mr. Coats may have experienced a heart attack, potentially impairing his ability to control the semi-truck.
After veering off the roadway, Mr. Coats’ truck struck a utility pole before continuing its uncontrolled journey into a small retention pond where it tipped to one side. No other vehicles were involved in this incident.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the accident site. They extricated Mr. Coats from his vehicle and rushed him to Delta Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition. Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, Mr. Coats later succumbed to his injuries. The exact cause of death remains to be officially determined—whether it was the heart attack, injuries sustained from the crash, or a combination of both.
During the investigation, officers on the scene noticed the crashed semi-truck was leaking unidentified substances. Consequently, a Hazmat team was summoned to discern if the leakages were oil, fuel, or part of the vehicle’s cargo, which included bleach and dishwashing detergent.
While the exact nature of the leaked substances remains undisclosed at this time, Memphis Police are continuing their investigation into the unfortunate accident. Cleanup crews spent several hours extracting the truck from the retention pond.
With the right legal counsel and understanding of the process, you can navigate through the aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident with confidence. Remember, it’s essential to act promptly to protect your rights and maximize your potential compensation.
Don’t let the insurance company shortchange you. Stand up for what you’re entitled to. For a confidential, free consultation, call our semi-truck accident attorneys today at (555) 555-5555.
