June 4, 2013 A tragic Syracuse Truck Accident last week was responsible for claiming the lives of seven people. Reports indicate a mechanical failure on the tractor-trailer involved is likely to blame for causing the crash. According to an article from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the crash happened last Wednesday evening at approximately 6 p.m. along Route 13 in Cortland County. The mother of one of the victim’s, a 24-year-old male who was driving the van involved, explained that her son was driving along the highway when a tractor-trailer hauling approximately 20 crushed cars began to approach. The trailer of the truck detached and slammed into the van, killing all but one of the passengers. An investigation into the crash determined that a locking mechanism that attaches a fifth wheel on the trailer to the truck had failed, allowing the trailer to break free and strike the van. Laws require commercial tractor-trailers to undergo vigorous inspection processes to ensure the vehicle is safe to travel on highways and interstates. If a vehicle fails to have these inspections conducted and a crash occurs, truck drivers and trucking companies may be held liable for damages. The Syracuse Personal Injury Lawyers with William Mattar Law Offices explain that proving negligence after truck accidents can be complex. The firm encourages victims injured in accidents involving a tractor-trailer to discuss their cases with skilled personal injury attorneys.
Fatal Syracuse Truck Accident Caused By Mechanical Failure