washington trucking accident attorney
Semi-Truck Drops Tarp on Roadway Seriously Injuring Driver
A driver has been seriously injured in a car accident in Preston, Washington, after he swerved to avoid a large tarp apparently dropped by a semi-truck on the roadway. According to a news report in the Seattle Times, the gray 2007 Ford Focus was heading west in the center lane on the Interstate 90 when the 37-year-old driver swerved to avoid the tarp and lost control of the vehicle. The Ford then rolled over in the center median. Washington State Patrol officials are asking that anyone who saw the tarp fall out of a vehicle, most likely a semi-truck towing a flatbed trailer, call police at 425-401-7746. The driver was taken to a Seattle hospital with serious injuries.
Under Washington law, it is a gross misdemeanor for anyone to drop an unsecured load on the roadway. If it causes injury or death, the negligent party faces one year in jail and a $5,000 fine. The law, also known as “Maria’s Law,” was named for Maria Federici, a Renton woman who was blinded when a piece of particle board flew off a trailer shattering her windshield and causing facial injuries as she drove on the 405. Maria’s Law took effect in 2005, approximately a year after Federici’s accident.
If a truck driver or trucking company fail to properly secure a load, which causes serious injuries to other drivers or vehicle occupants, they could also be held civilly liable for their negligence. Victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization and other related damages.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington truck accident, please contact an experienced Seattle personal injury attorney with The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation and case evaluation. We can also send you our FREE informational brochure, which has useful educational information to help you understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today
