In a freak accident, a wheelchair liftgate came off of an 18-wheel truck and struck four bike riders as it drove by. According to the Port Richey Police, the liftgate was on a truck hauling medical equipment for Florida Cancer Specialists mobile PET/CT. But, as it was making a left turn onto Ridge Road from U.S. 19 when the lift broke free. The trucking accident happened Monday night before 8 p.m., April 29, 2019. The driver of the tractor trailer did not know the liftgate had come off the back. Some witnesses followed the driver to his stop and alerted him, and he is cooperating with authorities. All four cyclists were seriously injured with two undergoing emergency surgery. The Port Richey Police Chief says he’s never seen or heard of anything like it. His office will conduct a thorough investigation.
Flying Debris Accidents
Large commercial trucks are dangerous and put all motorists and others around them at risk. Most of this risk is because of their size and mass, but they also can cause injury by flying debris. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are almost 500 fatalities each year. As well as, thousands of incidents of damage and injuries each year from debris flying from tractor trailers. Much of this is loose debris on the road. While in other cases, objects fly off the truck after coming loose or breaking away from the truck. The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration has regulations for trucks traveling on interstate and federal highways. Each tractor trailer driver handles their load and must make sure the load is secure. This is so that nothing will come loose, leak, or come off the truck and put the public at risk. Also, there are rules and regulations about the maintenance of the rigs and the trailers. These ensure that incidents like the liftgate accident don’t happen. Yet, even with all the regulations and safety precautions, accidents happen.
Injuries from Flying Debris
While traveling on the road injuries occur in many ways. Just as there are common injuries that come from certain types of auto accidents; flying debris injuries follow a pattern as well. Some of the common injuries are:
- Head Injuries: Traumatic Brain Injury, concussions, and skull fractures are common injuries for most motorists and pedestrians. Because they don’t wear helmets.
- Broken Bones: The impact of objects flying at a high rate of speed causes different types of bone fractures.
- Deep Contusions/Lacerations: Debris that impacts the body can produce deep bruises and cuts, some of which can be serious if not treated quickly.
Commercial Tractor Trailer Liability
When an object comes off a truck, the driver/owner of the truck may be liable for all damages. In some cases, the truck kicks up the object. Then the law will require the injured to show how the truck driver was negligent and did something to cause the injuries. This usually means they must prove that certain safety requirements weren’t met or that the driver wasn’t properly operating the vehicle. For example, a truck operator has to have mud flaps that prevent debris from flying up. As well as, following the requirements to keep the truck free of dirt, rocks, and other objects that can fly off. Federal law requires that all commercial large trucks have $750,000 worth of liability for property and bodily injuries. However, most commercial companies carry at least one million to protect themselves against the financial losses caused by accidents.
Do I need a Trucking Accident Attorney?
Were you injured by objects or debris that flew off of another vehicle? Then you should talk to our personal injury team about your case. The insurance companies will try to claim that their driver wasn’t negligent and isn’t liable for any injuries. Don’t let them get away with it, call RHINO Lawyers today to get the compensation you deserve. RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” We describe our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”
