When considering how crashes involving truck drivers occur, many people automatically look to the driver’s behavior behind the wheel. Driving any 18-wheeler requires skill and undivided attention, but the task becomes even more complex with an oversized load. Any mistake on the part of the drivers of these vehicles could cause preventable vehicle accidents here in Ohio or elsewhere.
For example, early on a recent Friday morning, a truck carrying a large metal dust collector struck an overpass as it went under. The oversized load fell off the trailer and struck two other vehicles. The 38-year-old driver of one of those cars suffered fatal injuries in the accident. The other driver managed to escape without injury.
Here in Ohio, trucks with oversized loads should follow certain routes in order to avoid this type of incident. It took hours to clear the roadway during which time police arrested the driver of the semi-trailer for aggravated vehicular homicide. The driver faces up to five years in prison if convicted. The Maryland company the driver contracted with issued an apology regarding the incident.
The family of the victim may follow others who have lost family members in vehicle accidents and file a wrongful death claim against the driver and any other parties who may bear legal responsibility in this tragedy. A full investigation into the events leading to the crash may help in making that determination, along with others. Legal matters such as this can quickly become complex and engaging legal assistance could prove invaluable.
