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Family of Logger Suing Cab Guard Maker Over Driver’s Death

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Cab Guard Liability In 2011, log truck driver Hilton Harkness, 67, was killed in a crash on U.S. 31 in Montgomery County, Alabama.

According to the Montgomery Advertiser, Harkness’ “truck struck another vehicle, left the roadway and hit a tree.”

The force of the impact caused the load of logs to shift and crash into the cab of the truck, crushing Harkness.

Harkness’ truck was equipped with Cab Guard, which is supposed to protect drivers from shifting loads, however, cab guard is not intended for use on logging trucks and the company failed to inform its customers of that.

Harkness’ family is now suing the makers of Cab Guard.

“We want to send a message to the industry that they need to revamp their design,”  Ben Baker, the attorney who is representing Harkness’ widow, Althea, told the Montgomery Advertiser.

Several years ago, a similar suit was filed against Cab Guard. The plaintiffs won a $12 million verdict.

“We are essentially trying the issue of damages that will have to be paid by the company,” said Baker.

 

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