Most local Delaware commuters have probably encountered the following situation: driving down the highway, being stuck behind a vehicle loaded with contents that do not appear to be securely fastened down. This type of driving scenario can be very unsettling, especially if one cannot switch lanes and move away from the potentially dangerous contents of a truck bed or trailer. Unfortunately, many car accidents are caused by improperly secured – or completely unsecured – materials.
Recently, an auto accident in Dagsboro showed just how frightening an unsecured load can prove. A mattress flew off the back of a pickup truck being driven by 63-year-old man. One vehicle swerved to avoid the mattress, but that car wound up striking another car heading in the opposite direction. That car ended up driving off the road. The driver of that second vehicle, a 52-year-old woman, went to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Swerving to avoid a piece of debris is a natural and immediate reaction for most drivers; hitting a piece of debris can cause severe vehicle damage as well as serious injury. However, making a quick swerve can also result in swiping other cars or even veering into oncoming traffic. Thus, there are many liability issues for drivers who do not secure the materials they are transporting. In this case, the driver of the pickup truck was charged with escaping contents as well as with not having insurance.
While criminal charges can penalize drivers with unsecured loads, civil lawsuits can aid those who have been injured by such carelessness. A Wilmington personal injury attorney can help victims of others’ negligence obtain compensation for damages after being involved in a car accident.
Source: Delaware 105.9 FM, “Officials: Flying mattress causes accident on road,” Dec. 10, 2015
