Failure to Use Safety Chains on Trailer Results in Detachment and Resulting Death
On August 6, 2006 a motorist was killed when a city owned trailer detached from a truck that was required by law to have a safety chain keeping it in place. In fact, the trailer did not have a safety chain attaching it to the truck. Safety chains are designed to keep trailers attached to trucks even when the hitch comes loose. In this case, the trailer carrying a lawn mower detached from a truck and veered into northbound lanes and struck a GMC and the driver was killed. Notably, the trailer was owned by the City of Macon and should have had a safety chain. According to sources, the City of Macon confidentially settled the case out of court for a substantial amount.
Of course our hearts and prayers go out to the family of Carlos Dorn, age 37, who perished in this tragic and preventable accident. We send our condolences to Mr. Dorn’s family.
The Philadelphia defective truck and trailer law firm of Reiff & Bily is committed to motorist and consumer safety. If you or a loved one has been involved in a defective truck or trailer accident, please feel free to contact one of our attorneys for a free no obligation consultation. We will fully investigate your claim and bring the wrongdoers to justice.
