We are in the heartland, and our area is a HUB for commercial shipping and the trucks that move the goods and services that are the lifeblood of our country. Unfortunately, this also means that we have to share the roads with semi-trucks and tractor trailers. Even those in bigger trucks are not immune as one Missouri Department of Transportation employee found out Tuesday morning.
Accident
The MoDOT employee was at the intersection of Interstate 29 and Interstate 435 in Platte County operating a buffer truck. It is a large diesel truck that is much larger than a normal passenger car or truck, but much smaller than a semi. The semi-truck slammed into the back of the state employee’s truck, and was taken to the hospital as a result of the truck accident. Luckily, the MoDOT employee only sustained minor back injuries, but the semi driver’s injuries are unknown.
Pictures of the aftermath show the violent collision. The front end of the semi-truck is almost completely sheared off. Both vehicles appear to be complete losses.
Aftermath
In this case, the MoDOT worker will likely have to deal with the worker’s compensation system and the city’s insurance for their immediate needs. The city will likely sue the driver to recoup their costs for the vehicle and the medical expenses of their employee. Though, the employee should also consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the semi-truck driver and company for his pain and suffering, especially if his back injuries prove to be chronic or long lasting.
This accident shows that no one is immune from the dangers of the roads, regardless of the size of one’s vehicle or what emblem is on the side. We all must share the roads, but the law allows for recourse if someone negligently causes you damages on the road.
