Massachusetts Trucking Accident Sends Steel Plates Flying: A Stark Reminder of Highway Dangers

At KBD Attorneys, we share stories like this one to raise awareness about the real and often life-altering dangers of trucking accidents. A recent crash on Route 128 in Burlington, Massachusetts, is a powerful reminder of what can happen when things go wrong on the road — and how quickly a situation can turn deadly.

According to WCVB News, the crash occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. on the northbound side of Route 128 near Route 3. A sport utility vehicle (SUV) collided with the rear of a flatbed truck carrying massive steel plates — each weighing roughly 1,500 pounds. The impact was so severe that the truck was pushed into a guardrail, causing the steel plates to dislodge and crash onto the highway.

Some of these steel plates slid across the northbound lanes and even made their way into the southbound breakdown lane. Thankfully, no secondary collisions occurred. The SUV driver sustained serious injuries and was taken to Lahey Hospital for treatment, while the truck driver escaped without physical harm — although he later described the incident as a moment where his life “flashed before his eyes.”

This story may have a somewhat lighthearted ending, but make no mistake: this was a very serious incident. It highlights how dangerous trucking accidents can be — not just for the drivers involved, but for every motorist sharing the road.

When Steel Becomes a Missile: The Dangers of Improperly Secured Loads

In this Burlington crash, the steel plates were reportedly secured using four chains and binders. While this met safety standards, the force of the impact caused the truck to lurch and the load to shift. The plates were displaced enough to become a significant roadside hazard.

Flatbed trucks are especially vulnerable in collisions because they carry heavy, often unsecured or minimally secured materials. When an accident occurs, that cargo can become a deadly projectile.

At KBD Attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand the devastation that follows when cargo shifts or flies off a commercial truck. Whether it’s steel plates, logs, construction equipment, or industrial machinery, the results can be catastrophic. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, or worse.

How Trucking Accidents Like This Happen

Trucking accidents can happen for a variety of reasons — and often, more than one party shares the blame. In this case, the exact cause remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police, but factors may include:

• Driver distraction or fatigue

• Speeding or reckless driving

• Weather or road conditions

• Mechanical failure

• Improper cargo loading or securing

Regardless of the cause, truck accident victims deserve answers and, in many cases, compensation for their injuries and losses. That’s where we come in.

We Share These Stories to Save Lives

Our law firm is committed to highlighting real-world examples of trucking accidents — not to sensationalize tragedy, but to educate and protect the public. By shining a light on how these incidents happen and what can go wrong, we hope to prevent future accidents and hold accountable those responsible when safety protocols are violated.

We urge all Massachusetts drivers to stay alert around large trucks and to always allow extra following distance. Even a moment of inattention or a slight misjudgment can have consequences that last a lifetime.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Massachusetts

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Massachusetts, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. Trucking companies — and their insurers — move quickly to limit their liability. You need a legal team that will act just as swiftly to protect your rights and build a strong case on your behalf.

At KBD Attorneys, we bring years of experience handling complex truck accident cases throughout Massachusetts, including in Burlington, Boston, Worcester, and beyond. We’ve taken on major trucking companies, commercial carriers, and negligent drivers — and we’re not afraid to fight for justice.

Our clients come to us during some of the most difficult times in their lives. We don’t just offer aggressive legal representation — we offer compassion, clarity, and support. We take the time to understand your injuries, your financial situation, and your goals for the future.

How We Can Help

Truck accident claims are not like regular car crash claims. They require an in-depth understanding of both federal and Massachusetts trucking regulations, insurance procedures, and evidence preservation techniques. Our team is trained to:

• Investigate trucking company practices and prior safety violations

• Secure black box data and camera footage before it’s lost or deleted

• Consult with trucking experts and accident reconstructionists

• File claims for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care

• Take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered

We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

Accidents like the one on Route 128 serve as a grim reminder that commercial trucking carries risks — risks that demand the highest level of care and responsibility. Whether it’s ensuring that cargo is properly secured, performing routine truck maintenance, or employing only qualified, well-rested drivers, trucking companies have a legal and ethical obligation to protect the public.

When they fail, and someone gets hurt, KBD Attorneys stands ready to hold them accountable.

A Final Word

As Massachusetts trucking accident attorneys, we are dedicated to helping victims of commercial vehicle crashes get the justice they deserve. The Route 128 crash — reported by WCVB News — could have ended much worse. We’re grateful no lives were lost, but we recognize how close this came to becoming a multi-vehicle tragedy.

These cases are more than headlines to us — they are reminders of why we do what we do. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck crash, let us fight for your rights.

Contact KBD Attorneys Today

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident anywhere in Massachusetts, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact KBD Attorneys today for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced Massachusetts truck accident lawyers are here to listen, to help, and to fight for the justice you deserve.