Truck spills metal across I-94, closing freeway for hours
A semitruck spilled a load of small metal components across I-94 early Wednesday, Sept. 9, shutting down eastbound traffic for hours.
The Romulus Police Department said the driver was turning from Wayne Road onto the freeway near Detroit Metro Airport when the truck tipped onto its side. Other vehicles were damaged, but no injuries were reported.
The crash was reported about 4:13 a.m. between Wayne and Vining roads, in a construction zone. All eastbound lanes closed while crews cleared the scattered metal.
The Michigan Department of Transportation also closed access to eastbound I-94 from the I-275 ramps during cleanup. Traffic could reenter the freeway at Vining Road.
The freeway had reopened by 9:50 a.m. Drivers can check the department’s MI Drive site for current crashes, construction and closures.
Michigan’s rules for keeping cargo on trucks
Michigan law generally requires vehicles driven on highways to be built or loaded so their contents cannot fall, leak or otherwise escape. Under MCL 257.720, tailgates, faucets and taps must also be securely closed to prevent spills.
For a cargo-related claim, photos of the load, truck markings and damaged restraints can help establish where material came from and how it was contained. Loading records can also help identify who prepared the shipment. Michigan Legal Center’s explanation of cargo falling from a truck in Michigan discusses why those details matter when identifying potentially responsible parties.
Paying for vehicle damage from road debris
Collision or comprehensive insurance may help pay for vehicle repairs, depending on how the damage occurred and the policy’s terms. Collision coverage pays for crash damage, while comprehensive coverage includes damage from falling objects. Ask your insurer which coverage applies and whether you owe a deductible. Michigan insurance coverage guidance
A separate mini-tort claim may allow recovery of up to $3,000 in vehicle damage that insurance does not cover, depending on fault and eligibility. That can include an unpaid collision deductible.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles truck accident and related injury claims.
If a truck crash or falling cargo damaged your vehicle, Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether the matter falls within Michigan Legal Center’s practice areas.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.