Attorney
One of the dangers of traveling on Maryland highways is the risk of getting hit by things that come off of tractor-trailers. Unsecured cargo, improperly attached accessories like side mirrors or tarp, or snow and ice could suddenly come off of the truck and hit another vehicle. These situations often cause multi-vehicle accidents.
A Maryland personal injury attorney could help you seek compensation for your losses from the at-fault party. Let’s explore the liability issues and the dangers of flying objects from trucks.
Who Can You Sue if You Get Injured Because of Flying Objects from a Truck?
The party whose negligence created the problem will be liable for the harm you suffered. There are several possibilities of liable parties when objects fly off of a truck. Sometimes, more than one party made a mistake and their errors combined to cause the situation. Here are some common scenarios:
- If the truck driver placed an object in an open truck bed, failed to secure the item, and drove the truck in that condition, the truck driver will be liable for harm caused when the object flies out of the back of the truck.
- When the tractor-trailer driver merely operates the vehicle but does not load it, the party that loaded the cargo can be responsible for the failure to properly secure the cargo. By way of example, a truck driver drives a loaded tractor-trailer from a distribution center to retail stores. The distribution center is likely at fault for failing to safely load the truck.
- A buildup of snow and ice on top of a tractor-trailer could be dangerous to other vehicles. When the chunks of snow and ice break loose, they can shatter the windshield of other vehicles and cause collisions.
- Sometimes, strips of rubber peel off of tractor-trailer tires and go flying through the air, striking vehicles behind the truck. The tire manufacturer or some other party, like the trucking company, could be responsible in this situation.
It is unlikely that a vehicle behind the tractor-trailer would be at fault for objects flying off of the truck.
Money Damages for Accidents Causing by Objects Flying Off of Trucks
The types of compensation a person could seek if injured in a collision caused by objects flying off of trucks are the same as for any other type of car accident. For example:
- Lost wages if you missed paychecks when you could not work because of your injuries.
- Lost future wages if you have long-term impairment from your injuries that makes you unable to make as much money as before the accident.
- Medical bills for the treatment you needed for your wounds. These expenses could include things like the ambulance, emergency room, doctors, hospital, surgery, physical therapy, and prescription drugs.
- Pain and suffering for the physical discomfort and emotional distress you experienced because of the accident and your injuries.
These are but a few examples of the types of money damages a person might seek after getting hurt because of objects flying off of a truck. A Maryland personal injury attorney could evaluate your personal injury case and aggressively pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Get in touch with our office today for a free consultation.