It was this time one year ago that a truck collecting leaves hit and killed an 18-year-old in another state. The local and state officials reached out and made efforts to prevent this kind of truck accident from happening again, but just a few weeks ago another accident occurred due to the same culprit: limited visibility. Tennessee pedestrians and drivers may have heard about this accident and may want to use it as an example of the fact that some trucks on the roads may be less safe than others.

The accident that happened earlier this month involved a truck that had a large leaf vacuum on the front of the vehicle, which was reportedly the reason for the incident. The pedestrian who was hit and is in critical condition is 43 years old. The state’s officials explain the residents’ frustrations as the trucks with front vacuums have been taken off the roads, making the leaf collection take longer than expected this year. The reason for the style of truck vacuums is reported to be because it is a more affordable design, only requiring one employee to drive and work the truck.

With the coming fall and winter seasons, weather is likely going to be a factor for Tennessee drivers and the vehicles that are responsible for plowing and collecting snow and leaves are intended to make the roads safer, not more dangerous. Various safety methods are being proposed in the state where the truck accident happened, in an effort to minimize any more accidents caused by the trucks.

Tennessee residents who have been injured by a similar kind of truck or vehicle due to visibility issues would do well to look into their options and laws regarding pedestrian accidents. Contacting an attorney could also help in a situation similar to this one, as the accident may have been due to the negligence of another party and you may be eligible for compensation.

Source: Sheboygan Press, “Wisconsin State Patrol blocks certain leaf trucks in Neenah, Oshkosh,” Duke Behnke, Oct. 24, 2012