A historic New England building, called the Old Grist Mill Tavern, was recently destroyed in a semi-truck accident.

The 18-wheeler is reported to have fallen on its side and slid into a natural gas main near the building. The collision ignited an explosion. Although fire officials responded to the scene, they were not able to save the building, which was destroyed in the resulting fire.

According to the mill’s website, the building was a relic of Pre-Revolutionary New England, built in 1745 to grind grain raised by colonial farmers. It later opened as a restaurant, serving New England tavern fare, including crab cakes and lobsters.

If you incurred property damage or personal injury from a truck accident, your means of obtaining a recovery may not be the same as for typical car accidents. For example, the semi-truck may be a commercial vehicle subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. In such an event, the theory of liability may be defined by federal law.

Semi-truck accidents may also implicate multiple parties at fault, rather than just the driver. You may be able to bring a claim against all individuals or business entities responsible for the truck’s ownership, maintenance, loading and operation, and licensing.

Finally, a commercial vehicle often carries a large commercial insurance policy, which means any claim you file may be reviewed by a team of lawyers and investigators working for the trucking company.

For all of these reasons, it is important to have an attorney by your side who understands the differences between car and truck accident litigation.

Source: Boston.com, “Banana Truck Crash Destroys Old Grist Mill Tavern, Historic Building In Massachusetts,” July 3, 2012