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Can You Sue a Semi-Truck for Dropping Cargo in New York?

When most people think about the dangerous cargo on a semi-truck, they picture flammable, toxic, or even nuclear barrels piled up inside. It goes without saying that this kind of cargo can be extremely dangerous – especially during a crash. But what about innocuous items that spill out of a truck, causing mayhem for anyone who is following behind? This kind of situation may be more common than you think, and an incident of this nature occurred recently in New York. But can you really sue if you were harmed by dropped cargo?


Leaky Semi-Truck Causes Mayhem on New York Highway

On October 26, it was reported that a leaky semi-truck had caused utter mayhem on a New York highway, resulting in several injuries and delays. A total of 23 vehicles were involved in the pileup on I-95 during rush hour, causing a mile of the highway to be completely littered with crashes. This entire debacle was caused by a semi-truck that had leaked 100 gallons of unspecified liquid across the road. The authorities did not reveal what kind of liquid it was, but it evidently made the road incredibly slippery – enough to cause dozens of accidents.


A total of seven people suffered injuries that were severe enough to require hospitalization, and the roadway was shut down for several hours. While this situation affected over 20 vehicles, the truth is that it could have been much worse. No one was critically injured, and no one lost their life. The slippery nature of the liquid could have easily led to more serious consequences, and the trucker or the trucking company would have been held liable. It is unclear why the truck leaked in the first place, but one can assume that it was due to some kind of mechanical failure or improper loading. Perhaps the vehicle had skipped scheduled maintenance.


Other Examples of How Cargo Can Lead to Crashes

There are many other potential ways in which normal cargo can lead to serious crashes. For example, logs might fall off a log truck, crushing vehicles or causing them to swerve uncontrollably. Pieces of metal piping or garbage might fall out of a dump truck, smashing through windscreens or obstructing drivers’ views. These kinds of accidents are almost caused by improper loading.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney in New York?

If you have been searching New York for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney, look no further than Glassman Law Group. Over the years, we have assisted numerous injured plaintiffs in the New York area – including those who have been harmed by semi-trucks. We know that semi-trucks can cause injuries in a variety of ways – whether it’s a head-on collision or a dropped piece of cargo. Truckers and trucking companies should be held accountable for all forms of negligence – especially if this misconduct leads to serious injuries to innocent motorists. Book your consultation today to seek justice with our assistance.

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