It might be tempting for a busy driver of a commercial vehicle to skip steps and fail to properly secure equipment on the truck before driving on California roadways. Unfortunately, failing to do so or failing to confirm that equipment used to secure heavy items is both present and undamaged can cause serious truck accidents. A recent incident illustrates the potential harm that can be caused by materials that fall from a truck on the highway.
The incident happened in mid-September. According to reports, a piece of metal flew through the window of a vehicle driven by an elderly man. It is believed that the object struck the man in the neck. The car then struck a concrete median.
Unfortunately, the man died as a result of injuries suffered in the incident. An investigation conducted by the California Highway Patrol reveals that the metal object that struck the man’s car may have come from a Caltrans water truck. The object is reportedly a screw-top nozzle used on the truck that reports indicate should have been secured with a metal chain. Officials say that the water truck was between work sites when the accident occurred. The investigation is ongoing.
Because of the incident, the family of the deceased man is likely reeling from the shock of the his unexpected death. They also may be burdened by the loss of his income and funeral expenses. Many fatalities caused by truck accidents in California are sometimes completely preventable. For victims of accidents such as that, there are options for legal recourse. A successfully presented civil lawsuit could not only help families cope with the financial ramifications of their loss but also ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable for their actions if the accident was caused by negligence.
Source: CBS San Francisco, “Debris From Caltrans Truck May Have Caused Deadly 101 Crash“, Sept. 19, 2016