Truckers often get a bad rap, especially when they are involved in accidents with much smaller vehicles. Often, however, the drivers of smaller vehicles simply become impatient sharing the road with trucks that are large, heavy and noisy. It is not unheard of for a New York driver following a truck to act out of exasperation and create a situation that is unsafe. This is one truck accident defense that often proves true.
One recent evening, a motorcyclist was involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler. The driver of a Wegmans delivery truck apparently did not see the motorcycle in front of him. His truck struck the motorcycle’s back end, causing the bike’s rear tire to become wedged under the front bumper of the tractor-trailer. Unaware that his truck had hit the bike, the trucker continued driving another 150 feet along the street.
Because his bike was trapped against the truck, the biker was unable to free himself without endangering his life. The long front end of the truck made it impossible for him to get the driver’s attention. Fortunately, another motorist signaled for the trucker to stop. The biker was taken to the hospital with injuries to his leg and abdomen.
Investigators are trying to determine why the truck driver did not see the motorcycle as he approached it. One theory may be that the motorcycle shifted lanes too closely in front of the truck and moved into the driver’s blind spot. In situations like this, New York investigators will interview witnesses and examine the circumstances at the scene. The driver of the truck has the right to inspect the evidence. Truckers in such cases also have recourse to an attorney who can build a strong truck accident defense to ensure their rights are protected.
Source: cnycentral.com, “Motorcyclist hospitalized after being dragged 150 feet by tractor trailer in Liverpool“, Justine Marschner, July 19, 2017