A multi-vehicle crash that occurred Aug. 15 in the greater Toronto area has resulted in at least two injuries. The accident happened around 2 a.m. in the eastbound express lanes of Highway 401 in Morningside. According to a sergeant with the Ontario Provincial Police, Ministry of Transportation workers were on the scene cleaning up debris from a crash that had occurred when a tractor-trailer rig crashed into several of their vehicles and caught on fire around 9 p.m. the previous evening.
The driver of the tractor-trailer suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to hospital. A worker on the scene also suffered serious injuries. All eastbound lanes were closed for several hours while authorities removed debris and investigated the accident. Traffic was being rerouted into the collectors near Neilson Road.
It is not clear from reports exactly what caused the driver of the tractor-trailer to crash his rig into the MTO vehicles that were parked beside the travel lanes. Reports do not mention alcohol or drugs as contributing factors. It is possible that that the driver was using his cellphone or otherwise distracted and allowed the truck to drift out of its lane. It is also possible that the accident resulted from driver fatigue.
Due to their size and mass, truck accidents often result in serious injuries or death. A victim injured in a truck accident may suffer extensive injuries that require surgery. Victims may also suffer financial harm if they are unable to return to work while they recover. Anyone injured in a truck accident that was caused by a negligent act committed by another person may want to discuss their situation with a lawyer who has experience in such cases. With the help of the lawyer, the victim might file a personal injury lawsuit and seek compensation for their injuries.
Source: Global News, “Highway 401 reopens near Morningside after serious crash overnight“, David Shum , August 15, 2014
