DETROIT, Michigan — A collision on Monday, at approximately 3:50 p.m., resulted in the loss of a 32-year-old driver. The accident occurred on southbound M-10 and W. Grand Boulevard on the Lodge Freeway in Detroit.
According to preliminary reports, a disabled U-Haul box truck was positioned partially within the left lane when the driver of a Chevrolet Cobalt attempted to change lanes from the center lane to the left, resulting in a collision with the rear end of the U-Haul truck.
The Chevrolet Cobalt driver died from the impact while his passengers sustained minor injuries. The two U-Haul truck occupants did not sustain injuries.
Further details will be provided as they become available.
Thoughts on the Disabled U-Haul Rear-end Crash
When we read about rear-end collisions, we may automatically assume the blame lies on the driver who slammed into the vehicle. This is not always the case. There are instances where more than one party may have partial fault for the crash, or even where the driver that stopped the vehicle is entirely at fault. In accidents that cause serious injuries or fatalities, like the one in Detroit, trained professionals need to investigate the crash to hold all parties at fault accountable.
According to the news report, the U-Haul truck was disabled and partially inside the left lane of the roadway. This is unacceptable. Trucks should not obstruct traffic. The driver of the truck cannot escape liability when the driver creates a dangerous situation and an accident occurs.
Additionally, trucking and rental companies should not allow trucks with mechanical issues to operate on our roadways. Unfortunately, 10% of accidents are caused by mechanical issues. If an investigation reveals that the trucking or rental company failed to properly maintain and repair this U-Haul before putting it on the road, they are likely partially responsible for this crash. A company cannot neglect its duty to repair its vehicles and then escape liability when the vehicle breaks down and causes a crash.
This was a preventable crash that never should have happened. The people responsible for creating a dangerous obstacle on a public roadway should be held responsible. A detailed investigation conducted by trained professionals will provide much-needed information and ensure all wrongdoers are held responsible for the untimely death caused by this crash.
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The Ammons Law Firm represents clients nationwide in catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation, with extensive experience in complex auto/tire defect and commercial vehicle cases.
Disclaimer: This post is not legal advice. Information contained in this blog was compiled from third-party sources or is the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if false or misleading information is contained in this post.
