A truck wheel can weigh up to 100 pounds, which can make them a dangerous weapon if they are headed toward you. Whether you are traveling in a vehicle, riding your bike or walking alongside a Georgia roadway, you can experience significant injuries if struck by a wheel or other flying debris.
Truck drivers are responsible for cargo
Truck drivers are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are properly maintained and that items inside of it are properly secured. Therefore, a commercial motorist will likely be liable for damages caused after a wheel comes off the truck itself or if something comes out of an unsecured trailer. It’s also possible that the operator of the truck or parties responsible for maintaining it can also be liable for damages in cases involving truck accidents.
Flying debris is almost impossible to avoid
The weight and speed of an item that comes loose from a truck means that it can produce a significant amount of energy when hitting a person or object. However, perhaps the biggest danger is that there is little that you can do to anticipate a wheel coming loose or other debris being launched from a truck. This means that you probably won’t be able to take evasive action to avoid being struck.
What to do after an accident
If you are capable of doing so, you should call for police and medical assistance after being struck by debris. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need to be transported directly to the hospital. Otherwise, you should make a point to see your doctor or visit an emergency room within 24 hours of the wreck. Seeking treatment quickly may result in better treatment as well as a paper trail that can be used during settlement talks or at trial.