Who is Liable for a Crash Caused by Road Debris in Massachusetts?
Published in Uncategorized on October 6, 2025
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers is proud to serve Boston and communities across Massachusetts with trusted legal advocacy for those harmed in roadway accidents. Crashes caused by road debris are among the most frightening and confusing types of collisions. One moment you are driving safely, and the next you are forced to swerve or collide with debris that should never have been on the roadway in the first place. These cases raise unique legal questions about who is responsible and how injured victims can pursue the compensation they need to recover.
Common Sources of Road Debris
Road debris accidents can happen anywhere, but in Massachusetts they are particularly common on major routes such as the Mass Pike (I-90), I-93, and Route 1. The high traffic volume in and around Boston means that even small items in the roadway can cause chain-reaction crashes.
Some of the most frequent sources of road debris include:
- Fallen cargo from trucks – improperly secured loads can spill construction materials, furniture, or industrial supplies.
- Tire blowouts – shredded tires can scatter across lanes and become hazards for other motorists.
- Construction debris – cones, tools, or unsecured equipment left near worksites.
- Poor road maintenance – potholes, loose gravel, or fallen tree limbs not promptly cleared by municipalities.
No matter the cause, the injuries from road debris accidents can be severe. Victims may suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, or even fatalities.
Who May Be Liable for Road Debris Crashes?
Determining liability is the most important step in these cases, and Massachusetts law allows claims against multiple responsible parties depending on the circumstances:
- Negligent drivers: If another driver failed to secure a load or dropped an object onto the roadway, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.
- Trucking companies: Companies that fail to train drivers, inspect vehicles, or ensure proper cargo securement may share responsibility.
- Product manufacturers: If a defective tire, strap, or vehicle part caused the debris, a product liability claim may be appropriate.
- Municipalities or contractors: When road debris comes from poor maintenance or improperly managed construction sites, the city, state, or contractors may be accountable.
Identifying the right defendant can be complex. This is one of the key reasons injured individuals should consult a lawyer who understands Massachusetts personal injury law and local roadway conditions.
Massachusetts Law and Comparative Negligence
Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that more than one party can be found responsible, and compensation is reduced if the injured driver is also partly at fault.
For example:
- If another motorist dropped furniture from a pickup truck, they may be primarily liable.
- If the injured driver was speeding at the time of the collision, the court could assign partial fault.
- As long as the injured party is not more than 50% responsible, they may still recover damages.
This rule highlights why having a skilled legal advocate is crucial — insurers may try to shift blame unfairly to reduce payouts.
Proving Liability in a Road Debris Accident
Strong evidence is key to winning these cases. At Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, our team carefully investigates each accident to identify all liable parties. Evidence may include:
- Police reports from the Boston Police Department or Massachusetts State Police.
- Witness statements from other drivers who saw the debris fall.
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage showing the incident.
- Accident reconstruction experts who can determine how the debris entered the roadway.
- Medical records and expert testimony to prove the full extent of injuries.
By piecing together this evidence, we build a compelling case to hold the right parties accountable.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Debris-related crashes often lead to complicated insurance disputes. Trucking companies and municipalities may deny responsibility, while manufacturers fight product liability claims aggressively. Without legal representation, injured victims may find themselves facing medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery costs with little support.
At Sweeney Merrigan, we bring decades of combined experience in car accidents, truck accidents, premises liability, and product liability to these cases. Our approach is both compassionate and aggressive, we listen to your story, investigate thoroughly, and fight for maximum compensation.
Injured by road debris? Call Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers in Boston today for your free consultation.
Taking the Next Step Toward Recovery
No matter where your accident occurred — whether on the Mass Pike, I-93 through Somerville, or Route 1 headed into Boston — you deserve answers and support. Road debris crashes are preventable, and those responsible should be held accountable.
You don’t have to handle this alone. Get a trusted Boston injury team on your side, reach out to Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers today.