One of the responsibilities of commercial truck drivers is to ensure that the load they are carrying is safely secured so that it will not come off of the truck as it travels down the roadway - creating a danger to themselves as well as the other drivers on the road. Injury and fatality accidents occur all too often because of debris flying off semi-trucks.
Consider the following information.
Two young men were headed down the highway - off for a weekend of fun on a spring afternoon - unaware that several miles ahead - a semi-truck was dropping parts of its load that included tree branches and logs. Those drivers who came upon the debris called the highway patrol to report it. But it was too late for boys - when they came upon a log in the road the driver swerved to avoid it and lost control of his vehicle. It rolled three times in the median before come to a stop. The passenger - not wearing a seat belt - was thrown nearly two hundred feet - and died instantly.
If a semi-truck driver is hauling products in a trailer then he or she must be sure that all latches and ties are secure - and the trailer door locked. Checking that loads are secure is part of the required pre-trip inspection truckers must perform before setting off on a trip.
Remember, if you see a truck dropping debris contact the highway patrol immediately.
Unfortunately for the mother of the young man that died - they have yet to determine what trucking company was responsible for the unsecured load.
Greg Baumgartner is a Texas personal injury lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping personal injury victims seek civil justice. If you would like to speak with a Texas accident lawyer call the Baumgartner firm.
