Truck drivers are responsible for safely operating several thousand pounds of machinery. Sadly, sometimes these drivers are negligent by either not following all traffic laws, or simply spacing out while behind the wheel. In cases where these behaviors lead to an accident, the results can be tragic to anyone inside of a much smaller passenger vehicle.

Last week, this was highlighted by the fact that two women were killed in Louisiana after a truck driver failed to realize the car they were in had come to a standstill waiting to turn. By the time the truck driver realized that the car was stopped, he didn't have enough time to stop, so he swerved to avoid smashing into their car.

Unfortunately, it appears that when he swerved, the driver of the passenger car turned left, and the two collided. The two women who were in the back seat of the car were killed, and the two women in the front of the car were seriously injured.

In this case the truck driver is facing criminal charges in connection to the accident.

Of course every case is different. But, if you or a loved one is ever in an accident with a tractor-trailer know that aside from criminal charges, it is also sometimes possible to file a civil lawsuit in order to receive compensation. In some cases, these lawsuits can also be filed against not only the driver of the truck, but also the trucking company that he or she works for.

Source: WWLTV, "Two people killed in 18-wheeler accident in Kentwood," Jan. 28, 2012