What if an Object Falls Off a Truck and Hurts Me?

 Posted on October 25, 2021 in Personal Injury

Having an object fall off a truck and strike your vehicle is often a minor annoyance, usually involving a broken windshield or a dent on the bumper. Unfortunately, an object falling from a truck can also be a much more serious event. Depending on the item that falls, and the surrounding circumstances, people can be seriously injured or killed by fallen truck debris. If you were hurt because an object fell off a truck, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, or other harms related to the accident.

Who is at Fault for an Accident Involving Truck Debris?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the state of Illinois set out regulations regarding trucking companies and truck drivers’ responsibilities for making sure their load is secure. Both are responsible for making sure the system they use to secure their loads is in good condition. Drivers are responsible for checking on their loads and making any necessary adjustments to keep objects from falling.

How Does Falling Truck Debris Cause Serious Accidents?

There are two main ways that falling truck debris causes serious accidents. The first is when a heavy or sharp object flies off the back of the truck and strikes someone. This type of accident typically causes injury when the falling object breaks through the windshield and enters the cab, injuring the occupants. Pedestrians and bicyclists may also be struck by falling truck debris, especially in metropolitan areas.

The other way truck debris accidents typically occur is when a second vehicle crashes while trying to avoid truck debris. Drivers often predictably swerve when they see an object fly off the back of a truck and head for them, especially if it is a heavy item like a steel pole or a cinder block. When a truck driver loses part of his load and does not stop, that object remains in the roadway and may present a hazard to approaching drivers.

What if the Truck Does Not Stop?

It is not uncommon for a truck driver to simply not notice that something has fallen from the back of his truck. It is also, unfortunately, not unheard of for a truck driver to notice and simply not stop for fear of repercussions. Write down everything you can remember about the truck, including any brand logos and the license plate if you can see it. Then call an attorney - an experienced lawyer can often conduct an investigation and identify the truck.

Call a DuPage County Truck Accidents Lawyer

If you were hurt by debris falling from a truck, you should contact a qualified Lombard truck accidents attorney as soon as possible. After a motor vehicle accident, you will want an attorney to begin conducting an investigation to prove the cause of the accident sooner rather than later, as evidence has a way of disappearing quickly. Call the Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices at 630-932-9100 for a free consultation.