Often when we think about injuries inflicted by trucks in motor vehicle accidents, they are due to the force of the impact between the vehicles. There are however different ways in which someone could be injured in a truck accident. One of those ways has to do with what the truck is transporting.
Last September, a truck that was transporting hot asphalt was involved in an accident in Pennsylvania. The incident took place on Route 65 in Lawrence County. Apparently the truck was travelling on Route 65 when it hit a barrier and tipped over. When the 23 ton truck tipped, asphalt spilled out, some onto a vehicle occupied by a 47-year-old man. As a result of the hot asphalt spilling on him the man suffered serious injuries of third-degree burn. His hands reportedly sustained permanent injuries.
After the accident, criminal charges were brought against the 30-year-old man who was behind the wheel of the truck. The employee of Castle Paving and Sealcoating was charged with:
- Causing an accident involving death or injury
- A summary traffic violation
- Aggravated assault by vehicle
- Reckless endangerment
Earlier this month the man pleaded guilty to the first two charges. The latter two were dismissed. Sentencing is scheduled for the end of October.
While there is no such thing as a "good" injury, burns are particularly bad. There are several things behind this including the pain associated with the often long period of recovery as well as the scars that provide daily reminders of the accident that produced them. For those reasons individuals who have suffered burns due to negligence of others often file personal injury lawsuits against those who are to blame. It is unclear whether one has been filed in this case.
Source: Times online, "Driver in asphalt accident pleas," Kristen Doerschner, Sept. 6, 2012
- Injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents can be serious. Our law firm handles cases in which injuries are due to another's negligence. Please visit our Lawrence County truck accidents page if you would like to learn more.