Truck Driver Injured in Overturn Crash on TX-31 in Chandler
Chandler, TX — June 22, 2022, a 30-year-old truck driver was injured when his big rig overturned and crashed on State Highway 31 in Chandler.
According to reports the incident happened around 12:00 p.m. on the 900 block of Highway 31 West. Preliminary investigation suggests an International tractor-trailer was traveling east on the roadway when he drifted onto the shoulder for unknown reasons. He then over-corrected the vehicle, causing his unsecured freight to shift and overturn the truck and trailer.
The driver suffered serious injuries in the crash. He told investigators he was aware his load was unsecured and was traveling toward a weigh station to address it when the crash occurred.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Truck Overturn Accident in Chandler
People are sometimes surprised when I say accidents like this one can be more complicated than they appear. Reports say the truck tipped over mostly because of unsecured cargo responding to physics, so doesn't that mean the crash and the driver's injuries are mostly on him? It's a little premature to assume that, as there are still other issues to consider.
For one thing, the trucking company can still deny responsibility. They could say they secured the cargo but something beyond their driver's control knocked it loose. Furthermore, they could argue that they were only hired to drive the cargo, not to load it. In that case the firm that loaded up the freight might be on the hook for failing to secure it properly in the trailer.
Some may be tempted to ignore those potential issues and just point fingers at the driver, but it's unfair to blame him if something out of his hands was really to blame for the wreck. Many heavy industries (manufacturing, construction, logistics) feel that "many hands make lighter work," and if the truck driver sought help with his recovery it would be crucial to know precisely who should provide that help.
Because this is a legal blog people sometimes think I'm just looking for as many "bad guys" as possible, but that's never my point. A man was hurt while just trying to do his job, and that may be due to negligence on someone's part. If that someone isn't him then they should be held accountable for their role in the truck's overturn and the driver's injuries, as well as take that for a lesson in better practices.
