George Clemmer (Full Name: George Luis Clemmer), of Cambridge, Died In Boston Dump Truck Accident While Riding Bicycle By The Intersection of Huntington Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue Near The Symphony Green Line Station
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (July 15, 2022) – A bicyclist identified as George Clemmer has died in a Boston dump truck accident by the intersection of Huntington Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue.
Suffolk County police officials are saying that the accident took place on Wednesday afternoon. George Luis Clemmer was riding a bicycle next to the dump truck when the dump truck driver made a left turn.
Witnesses are saying that the dump truck driver was not looking when they made the turn. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help George Clemmer.
A local news reporter captured a photo of the bicycle involved in the crash which was mangled as it layed on the sidewalk. Despite life-saving measures from first responders, George Clemmer died due to his injuries.
Massachusetts Avenue is a major bike route and was scheduled to have a protected bicycle lane installed. Police interviewed the driver of the dump truck who remained at the scene.
It remains unclear if the dump truck driver will be charged for the crash. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Boston Dump Truck Accidents
The number of dump truck accidents has risen over the past several years. According to the Engineering News Record, “Dump truck accidents severe enough that the vehicle had to be towed away rose 9%, hitting 8,206 in 2016, the latest year statistics are available.” Industry experts blame the rise on a number of issues including poor driving habits which often stem from driver fatigue. There are a number of factors that make dump trucks particularly dangerous.
- Dump trucks have large blind spots that are especially pronounced on the sides of the truck.
- Dump trucks can weigh as much as 30,000 lbs and can be very difficult to stop.
- Dump trucks have a wide turning radius which makes under-ride collisions more likely.
Dump truck drivers will typically need to get a commercial driver’s license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must yield the right-of-way to bicyclists and pedestrians crossing at lawfully marked crosswalks. Pursuant to Massachusetts Vehicle Law, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must first yield the right of way to all vehicles traveling from the opposite direction that are close enough so as to pose a hazard. If a dump truck driver hits a bicyclist while making an abrupt left turn in the roadway, they will typically be held at fault in the event of a collision.
Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a dump truck collision could extend beyond the at fault driver. If a dump truck driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could potentially be held at fault in the event of a crash. In general, companies are vicariously liable for the wrongful acts of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a dump truck driver could have been transporting materials when they were involved in a crash. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any dump truck collision.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- The dump truck driver’s work logbook should be reviewed.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
When a dump truck driver is negligent and causes a fatal accident, family members of the deceased may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and many of the expenses that can come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, dump truck companies have a team of lawyers and they will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for any accident involving their drivers. This is one of the reasons it is so important that evidence is properly preserved after any collision.
Investigating A Boston Dump Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of George Clemmer. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family. It is our sincere hope that city officials will take measures to make Boston a safer place for all bicyclists and pedestrians. Protected bicycle lanes save lives and may have potentially prevented this tragedy.
Do you need more information about a Boston dump truck accident? Our team of bicycle safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
