Accidents Caused by Unsecured Truck Loads
Anyone operating a vehicle in West Virginia is expected to secure any cargo or objects being hauled. Failure to do so can result in other vehicles being struck by debris, resulting in serious or life-threatening injuries to their drivers and passengers.
If an unsecured load resulted in your injury, or the injury of a loved one, you may be eligible to receive compensation. An experienced West Virginia truck accident attorney can help guide you through process.
Real accidents caused by falling debris
A recent, devastating accident that occurred in Hastings, Minnesota killed a mother and daughter after an 800-pound boulder fell off of the back of a truck. The driver of the truck was arrested and held on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation.
In Missouri, a West Virginia motorist was struck in a multi-vehicle accident after logs came loose and fell off the back of a large truck. The motorist succumbed to his injuries within less than an hour.
The statistics
A 2016 study by AAA reported that almost 37 percent of all road deaths caused by road debris occur when drivers swerve to avoid hitting an object. Additionally, roughly one-third of accidents caused by debris happen between 10 AM and 4 PM when drivers are more likely to haul cargo or heavy items.
These accidents are also more likely to occur on highways and at high speeds, and can include vehicle parts, furniture, loose cargo, and unsecured hitches.
West Virginia law puts restrictions on cargo and loads being hauled on trucks. If a truck driver or other road user hauling cargo fails to secure a load, he or she can be found liable for any injuries or damages that are caused by falling debris.
In the event that you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by falling debris, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. If you have lost a loved one due to an accident, you may be eligible for a wrongful death claim in which you would be compensated on behalf of the deceased person. However, you must act fast since the statute of limitations in West Virginia is two years.
Contact Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC and find out how we can help you. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t owe us any money unless we win your case.