Traffic was ground to a standstill after a boat fell off a vehicle near the 207 mile marker on the southbound section of I-75 in Sarasota.
According to representatives from the Florida Highway Patrol, crews were dispatched to the location to direct traffic around the fallen boat, and traffic was significantly delayed. There was not immediate information available about injuries or about the cause of the accident.
Drivers may be liable for items falling off vehicles
All drivers who are hauling or towing heavy equipment, boats, vehicles or supplies are required to make sure whatever it is they are carrying is firmly secured in place for the duration of the trip.
This could be as simple as a person with a pickup truck hauling lumber or furniture and using tie-down straps. But it also includes people who are towing boats, RVs, trailers or other vehicles; it is crucial that they ensure the equipment is in good, working condition before connecting the vehicle, and that they ensure the connection is properly made before driving.
There are some situations in which improper loading, poor connection or poor driving habits can result in a trailer, boat or vehicle coming detached from the rear of the towing vehicle. These circumstances will most often be the fault of the driver or whoever secured the item on the back.
However, there are also circumstances in which faulty equipment or the behavior of other drivers on the road could be to blame, in which case the driver of the towing vehicle could file a civil suit to hold the liable party responsible for any damages that occurred.
If you have any questions about liability for fallen items or equipment on freeways, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh to learn more.