Scheduled maintenance for company vehicles can be crucial in avoiding safety issues. Larger vehicles that carry heavy loads can be hard on brakes, and they usually require frequent attention. A man died in a recent accident in West Virginia when he was run over by his truck after the emergency brake failed. If the company is found to be negligent in the maintenance of the truck, a wrongful death claim may be filed by the victim’s family.
According to the report, the victim had parked the truck and set the emergency brake while he was working. The truck’s brake apparently failed, and the truck began rolling down the hill. The man tried to get out of the way but was unfortunately pinned between the truck and a wall. He suffered severe internal injuries in the accident and, several days later, died in the hospital.
According to the victim’s wife, the company failed to ensure proper maintenance was performed on the truck in question. If an investigation occurs and the company is found to be negligent, financial restitution can be sought by the victim’s family. While it can be difficult to prove negligence, a successful claim can help to bring closure to the family.
An accident that involves the loss of a loved one can be hard to accept, especially if that loss could have been prevented by proper maintenance on any vehicles involved. No one should have to suffer the loss of a loved one due to negligence. In West Virginia, many people speak with an attorney when faced with a similar situation for advice on how to proceed with a wrongful death claim.
Source: wvrecord.com, “Widow blames truck maintenance providers for husband’s death“, Philip Gonzales, Jan. 12, 2017
