None of us wants to get into a car accident – we know they can be dangerous. Even more terrifying is the prospect of getting hit by a semi-truck. Their sheer mass makes the likelihood of serious injury very high. But sometimes, it’s not the truck itself that represents the greatest threat – instead, it’s the load it carries.
Large trucks carry large loads
The potential danger of commercial trucks, and their loads, was recently put on display near the I-10/I-110 merge in Baton Rouge. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt in the accident but that was due to sheer luck. According to police investigating the accident, a semi-truck carrying plywood lost control when the load shifted.
Upon shifting, the load itself flew off the truck and onto two cars, which were driving near the truck. Four people from the cars were sent to a nearby hospital but were expected to be fine, their injuries not being severe. Which was somewhat surprising, considering one of the cars was nearly crushed by the flying sheets of heavy plywood.
When you’re injured by a commercial truck, it’s natural to think the driver is the one responsible. And, indeed, the driver in this accident could face charges. But when a personal injury lawsuit is your best option, it’s critical to determine everyone who was negligent – sometimes that’s not the driver at all.
Often, truck drivers work for a company that owns the truck and is responsible for its maintenance and safety. Furthermore, a separate shipping company could be responsible for the load itself and any shifting that occurs during transport. Or it could be a combination of any of these parties.
Seek the assistance of a professional who is experienced in commercial trucking accidents and personal injury lawsuits. They can help to ensure that all responsible parties are identified, increasing your chances of recovering the compensation to which you’re entitled.