Large Truck Wrecks Often Cause Economic Damages Through Highway Closures and Blocked Access

One of the least discussed costs and damages of truck wrecks is the frequent closure of highways and exit ramps, causing very real economic damages to surrounding communities. This type of crash can involve multiple vehicles, spilled fuel and contaminants and released cargo, creating an accident scene that requires many hours of clean up and clearing of vehicles and debris.

Accident Delays and Economic Damages

When this occurs, traffic can be backed up to a standstill for hours, and commuting motorists may be delayed or rerouted via other roads. For example, a recent crash at Round Rock, Texas involved two 18-wheelers plus several other vehicles, completely closing the northbound lanes of I-35 for four hours. The need to bring in two trucks to clear the vehicles complicates the situation where stuck motorists have no recourse but to sit and wait.

The economic damages are difficult to calculate, but can include items such as:

• Non-delivery of goods as scheduled by the trucks in the crash
• Delay of motorists that are on their way to work or making travel connections
• Clean up of the roadway and even surrounding areas where hazardous contaminants may pose a health risk, and even extend lane closures
• Other injuries or vehicle damages caused by the crash

While these types of damages are not as sensational as the direct costs of those that are a part of the crash, they are probably more common than imagined. Many of these costs are passed on to local or state governments, who absorb the attendant damages of large truck wrecks. In some cases, the trucking companies may be ordered to pay for towing, clean up and other expenses, as well as fines in the case of spilled hazardous materials.

The Combined Effects of Weather and Long Delays Create a Potential Motorist Hazard

Anyone who has been stuck in their vehicle for an extended time in this type of accident knows how frustrating it is to have no options for continuing travel. If the weather is good, this usually amounts to an inconvenience of several hours, but as witnessed in colder climates this type of incident can also be life threatening. Delays in clearing a truck accident in cold weather requires motorists to run their engines for heat, risking running out of fuel. In heavy rain, sleet or snow there may be no way to travel on foot as it could be potentially dangerous.   This amplifies the impact of truck accidents into a community wide emergency that requires multiple response and support.

Too many truck crashes are caused by driver fatigue, distraction or intoxication and liability for the resulting impact falls squarely on the driver. If a driver is on the road for too many hours or is driving carelessly, there should be some liability assigned for injuries, economic costs and clean up caused by their actions. Without the threat of a lawsuit or fines, there is no deterrent for irresponsible truck drivers who are clearly shown to be negligent.