Pedestrian Suffers Fatal Injuries From Dangerously Modified Truck

ByJoseph O'Neill

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Updated onOctober 13, 2017

Pedestrian Suffers Fatal Injuries From Dangerously Modified Truck

This case involves a man in Florida who suffered fatal injuries due to an allegedly dangerous modification made to a semi-truck. On the date of the incident in question, the pedestrian was waiting to cross a busy, multi-lane road on the sidewalk. The defendant driver was proceeding through the crosswalk when the pedestrian was struck in the face by a handle that was protruding from the side of the truck’s trailer. It was later discovered that the handle was an aftermarket part that had been installed on the trailer by the owner operator of the truck after purchase. It was alleged that the design and / or installation of the part was unsafe.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Do you have experience designing/engineering trucks?

2. Can any aftermarket truck parts such as the one mentioned above risk the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles on the road?

Expert Witness Response E-011084

inline imageI have experience with truck design from my years at Ford Heavy Truck and my research work at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. Many truck vocational bodies have miscellaneous handles and protrusions on them that could be injurious to people who run into them - look at the next electric utility truck you see on the road which could very well have all manner of work tools hanging off the back. Among truck safety concerns I have never heard of this matter even being on the list. Even though I have no knowledge of how the cyclist was injured by the handle, I would immediately question if the handle is responsible for the injury. If I was on the case I would try to consult with a biomechanics expert to evaluate exactly how the injury was produced and what role the handle might have played in it. I have served as an expert in truck litigation for a number of years.

About the author

Joseph O'Neill

Joseph O'Neill

Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.

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