Two Injured in Dump Truck Overturn Crash on Clemens Center Pkwy in Elmira, NY
Elmira, NY — January 19, 2023, two people were injured when a loaded dump truck overturned onto a car on Clemens Center Parkway in Elmira.
Authorities say the incident happened just before noon on Clemens Center at Water Street. Preliminary investigation suggests a dump truck carrying dirt or gravel may have run a red light at the intersection. A witness alleged the truck swerved sharply to avoid a nearby pickup, then overturned onto the sedan. Images at the scene show the truck's dump bed on top of the car's hood and part of its load of dirt or gravel spilled on the roadway.
Both vehicles' drivers were initially trapped after the crash. Rescuers freed them and transported them to an area hospital, where they were treated and later released.
The investigation is ongoing. No further information is currently available.
While the press only conveyed general details about this accident, some may think closer investigation and greater attention to detail isn't necessary if the victims were quickly discharged from the hospital—suggesting their injuries weren't too serious. I hope that's true and both drivers can quickly resume their lives, but I suggest taking any wreck seriously in case early assessments about the damage they caused aren't accurate.
A recent client encountered that when the "sore back" he was first diagnosed with after a truck accident turned out to be a ruptured disk in his spine. That "minor" injury actually needed major surgery and lengthy recovery, all while the at-fault driver's company tried its hardest to get out of helping him.
Hopefully nothing like that will come up in Elmira, but as they say: "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst." A truck accident isn't likely to be an exception to that old wisdom.
