In one of the odder accident stories we have seen in a while, a tractor-trailer carrying millions of bees crashed on a Delaware highway last week. According to a report by a local ABC affiliate, the truck driver was heading north from Florida when he lost control of the truck while negotiating the ramp from Route 896 to I-95.
Apparently, as the truck driver took the turn onto the on-ramp, the boxes housing the bees shifted, causing the truck to overturn and slam into the guardrail. As the truck toppled over, the crates containing the honey bees fell off the flat-bed truck and onto the ground, bursting open and spilling the bees into the air.
It is estimated that 16-20 million European honey bees escaped after the accident. The driver of the truck and one of his passengers were each stung between 50 and 100 times. They were taken to the hospital for treatment of their injuries. The driver was also cited for carrying dangerous cargo without the proper permits.
The bees that were spilled in the area are not expected to cause a noticeable increase in the bee population in the area. However, road signs warned motorists of swarms on the day of the accident.
Maryland Trucks and Dangerous Cargo
This accident brings up two issues related to truck accidents. The first is the issue of carrying dangerous cargo. Any time a truck company needs to transport dangerous cargo, it must register with the appropriate state or federal agencies. This is to ensure that the proper authorities are on hand, should anything like the accident above occur. When a truck driver or a trucking company fails to properly register their cargo, they can be cited for that failure.
The second issue raised by this accident is the importance of properly loading the truck. As was the case here, when a truck driver takes a sharp turn, improperly secured cargo can shift, changing the weight distribution of the truck. This can cause a temporary loss of control or even a rollover. It is therefore critically important that semi-truck drivers take care in loading their cargo and ensure that slippage does not occur.
Failure to Take Due Care
When truck drivers or trucking companies fail to use the amount of care required by law to ensure safe transport of their goods, they may be liable to any persons injured by that failure. To find out more about the liability of semi-truck drivers and trucking companies, contact an experienced Maryland truck accident attorney.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a Maryland truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation based on the truck driver’s, or the trucking company’s, negligence. Speaking to a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney is the best way to better understand your rights as an accident victim. At the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers., we understand the stress of being involved in a serious accident and we do everything we can to make the recovery process as easy as possible. Our team of experienced lawyers is ready to meet with you to discuss your case today. Click here, or call 410-654-3600 today to schedule your free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Maryland Residents Forced to Evacuate After Propane Tanker Accident, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published May 9, 2014.
Tractor-Trailer Runs Stop Sign and Crashes into School Bus, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published May 2, 2014.