Trucks have a tremendous economic impact because, given their size, they can transport heavy goods to many points across the country. Nevertheless, their design can put the lives of other people on the road at risk when they are involved in an accident.
An alleged careless dump truck driver recently caused a four vehicle pileup near Tampa, Florida when he failed to yield to a patrol car at an intersection. Prior to the accident, a pickup truck and a sedan were stopped in traffic while waiting for the police car to clear the intersection. The patrol car had stopped to observe the flow of traffic before making a left turn.
The driver of the dump truck failed to stop in time, hit the pickup truck, which pushed the sedan in front of it. The sedan was then pushed into the patrol car. The drivers of the stopped vehicles sustained minor injuries and were transported to a hospital. The collision also resulted in 100 gallons of diesel fuel being spilled onto the road. The 23-year-old driver of the dump truck is facing a careless driving citation.
It’s fortunate that this multi-vehicle accident only caused minor injuries. Property damages and personal injuries from a single truck accident can be substantial, and it can result in financial hardship. Victims of an accident can also suffer from emotional trauma.
A victim of a truck accident may be able to seek compensation from a negligent truck driver or trucking company by filing a personal injury lawsuit. However, the driver or company must be proven negligent in order for the accident victim to collect any compensation.
Source: Tallahassee.com, “Four-Vehicle Crash Involving Deputy, Dump Truck,” Marisa Kendall, Dec. 2, 2013