Road Debris Causes Motorcyclist Injuries on C.R. 102
A motorcyclist suffered injuries in a collision near Woodland on September 28 when he collided with road debris that had fallen from a truck. The collision occurred around 7:10 p.m. along County Road 102 just north of C.R. 26a. The debris from the collision blocked the roadway, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). In addition, the box was still blocking the road.
Motorcyclist Suffers Moderate Injuries in Accident With Road Debris
Information was not provided on what happened to the injured motorcyclist when fire department medics arrived. Moderate injuries include broken bones, soft tissue damage and dislocations. An investigation is underway by CHP traffic detectives to track down the driver who lost part of their load.
Reasons for Unsecured Load Accidents
There are many reasons for truck accidents involving cargo falling onto the road. Here are some of the leading causes of such accidents:
- Unsecured cargo: The shipment can shift and fall off the vehicle by driving with an unsecured load. Motorists following the truck can crash into the debris, physically harming the occupants.
- Overloading: Unsecured, heavy cargo can tip a truck, causing the shipment to fall and leaving road debris.
- Unbalanced load: With an unbalanced load, the risk of instability increases.
- Unsafe driving: Speeding and other unsafe maneuvers can cause cargo to become unbalanced and shift off the truck onto the roadway.
- Defective ropes or tie-downs: It is crucial to check them for defects. If found, replacement is necessary.
- Unsecured open cargo area: Some trucks have open cargo areas that require a cover. When left uncovered, debris can fall off the vehicle, especially with high winds or speed.
Liability in an Unsecured Load Accident
Several parties could be liable when an unsecured load is involved in an accident. The list includes:
- The trucker: When a trucker fails to tie down the cargo properly, is speeding or driving recklessly, the cargo can fall to the ground, causing road debris that leads to accidents and damages. The driver should also check the shipment regularly during the trip to ensure it remains secure.
- The company that owns the truck: There are several ways in which truck owners are responsible for the trucking company. An accident can occur due to defective or worn tie-downs, for example. Truckers are trained to secure their loads correctly, and the company monitors its equipment. In the event that it is not done, the company is responsible.
- Third parties: Truckers or trucking companies often hire third-party companies to load their trucks. They could be liable if the equipment they use to secure the load is damaged or worn or if regular inspections and maintenance are neglected. In spite of this, truck owners and drivers still have a responsibility to ensure their cargo is safe.
Accident Compensation
If the driver is located after an accident caused by an unsecured load, the following financial damages may occur:
- In a successful lawsuit, lost wages can be recovered if they were lost because of an accident. Bonuses, as well as wages, are included in this calculation.
- Expenses for medical care include hospital bills, emergency room expenses, doctor’s fees, medications, and nursing services outside the hospital. You can also include assistive devices like wheelchairs and ramps.
- Injuries can cause physical pain, emotional distress, disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life. This compensation covers these losses.
Find an injury lawyer who knows how to handle your case with these tips from attorney Ed Smith:
Woodland Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, and I’m a Woodland personal injury lawyer. Find out if you can seek compensation for your motorcycle injuries if another individual or entity is at fault. You can contact our accident attorneys at (503) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly legal assistance. It is also possible to contact us online.
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Photograph attribution: Image by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay
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