Truck with Improperly Secured Cargo Causes Chain Reaction Accident

An article published in the Orlando Sentinel describes a chain reaction accident that occurred in July 2009 when a semi truck’s improperly secured cargo caused cars to collide while drivers attempted to avoid the debris. Among the more unusual aspects of the accident was a car bumper with a 15-inch kitchen knife embedded in it that was part of the truck’s cargo. According to law enforcement officials investigating the car accidents, the chain reaction crash occurred on S.R. 520 near Bellevue Way.

Washington State Troopers said the accident began when a semi truck traveling westbound began losing its cargo and caused the chain reaction accident when cars, trucks and at least one motorcycle tried to avoid hitting the debris flying out of the back of the truck.

One motorcyclist involved in the accident said, "Cars were going every which way. The truck that dropped the load was at a dead stop. A truck came into my lane sideways. I had no place to go."

He had to lay his bike down to save his life and although his motorcycle sustained significant damage, he suffered only scrapes and bruises. The rider felt lucky that he and no one else had been seriously injured, but his relief was tempered by the sight of the knife sticking out of a car’s bumper.

He said, "The first thought that went through my mind was the person whose car it was stuck into, thinking that if it came up another foot and a half or two feet it would have impaled him, gone through him. The second thought is it would have impaled me."

Washington State Patrol officers said that the driver had a cargo net in the back of the truck to secure the cargo but didn’t bother to use it.

Even though this truck accident didn’t happen in Florida, it is indicative of the shortcuts that truck drivers here and elsewhere will take that put other drivers at unnecessary risk. Each state has strict laws about these huge trucks that share our roads, restricting who can drive trucks, how much they can drive before resting, how much freight they can haul, how much their trucks can weigh and many others. All these laws are intended to protect people from trucking companies and drivers from taking shortcuts and endangering others on the road.

If you or a family member have been injured in a Florida trucking accident and have questions about your legal options, call Orlando truck accident lawyer James Cunningham today and schedule a free consultation. With his assistance, countless victims injured through the negligence of others have recovered the financial compensation they deserve. Mr. Cunningham works on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless he makes a recovery on your behalf.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.