Clinton, NC — An 18-wheeler driver was hospitalized following an accident in Clinton, North Carolina, on Thursday, February 12, 2015. The accident took place on the frontage road connecting Interstate 40 and Highway 403.
Reports say that a truck drover pulled off the interstate and parked on the right side of the frontage road. The driver got out and walked around to the other side of his vehicle. A second truck pulled off the interstate and drove off the left side of the frontage road. The driver of the second truck over-corrected, caused him to crash into the first truck, which overturned on its driver.
The driver of the first truck was taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Reports say that the man is in critical condition. His name has not been released. The driver of the second truck was taken to WakeMed Hospital. There’s been no word on his condition.
Police are continuing to investigate the crash.
Scene of the Accident
Commentary
There are two things to keep in mind here. The first is that this accident happened while the victim was on the job. The second is that even though this would be considered an on-the-job accident, the accident wasn’t caused by one of the victim’s co-workers, or some task directly related to what he was doing.
In most cases, a work accident is going to be handled through an employer’s workers’ comp policy, which will pay out benefits to the injured employee. Part of being covered by the workers’ comp system means that you can’t file a claim against your employer if you’re hurt in an on-the-job accident (in most cases). However, if the accident was caused by a third party, that restriction is removed, and the victim is free to file a claim against the person responsible for the accident. This, while still remaining eligible for workers’ comp benefits, as the accident still happened while the victim was at work.
— Grossman Law Offices
