Truck Accidents Can Be Caused by Improperly Loaded Cargo
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has rules regarding the proper method of loading cargo and securing it for commercial trucks. These extensive rules also note restrictions on the amount of weight that can be carried based on the nature of the cargo. It is important for truck drivers and trucking companies to follow these regulations, as they can help prevent the cargo falling off onto the road and causing all kinds of harm.
Sadly, truck accidents involving poorly secured cargo still happen, putting countless lives at risk. The Katy, TX auto accident attorneys of Reed & Terry, LLP would like to consider some of the common dangers associated with improperly secured cargo. This should help you understand why these hazards must not be taken for granted.
Dangers of Poorly Secured Cargo
The primary danger of poorly secured cargo is that it can fall out of the dry van trailer or off the flatbed trailer. This means that heavy loads could wind up falling on adjacent vehicles or into adjacent vehicles. These kinds of incidents can be deadly, particularly when a large pipe, lumber, or concrete objects fall from a large truck directly onto the roof of a car nearby.
Hazards Left in the Road
Sometimes the danger isn’t the cargo coming loose initially, but rather the cargo remaining in the road. This debris on the road can lead to major vehicle damage and injuries if a motorist collides with it. A car may swerve to avoid the debris, but that can put other drivers nearby in danger.
Dangers of Shifting Cargo
Even if the cargo does not fall off or out of the trailer, a simple shift in the cargo can be dangerous. With heavy loads, the weight distribution of the cargo is important. A change in this weight distribution can throw off a tractor-trailer’s center of gravity. This makes tipping over and rollover accidents more likely, which is a danger to the truck driver and anyone nearby.
Truck Drivers May Lose Control
As a reflex, a truck driver may swerve when they notice their cargo falling off or coming loose. This could lead to the loss of vehicle control, resulting in dangers to any adjacent motorists. When a semi-truck is out of control, there is a risk of jackknifing, which puts drivers in multiple lanes at risk.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable
The injuries sustained from these kinds of truck accidents can be catastrophic, resulting in disfigurement, disability, and even death. If a truck driver or a trucking company is responsible for the cargo being poorly secured, they should be held legally liable for their actions.
How Our Lawyers Can Help
Our team of truck accident attorneys will provide expert legal counsel for you and your loved ones every step of the way. Noting the evidence and consulting police reports, witness testimony, and accident recreation methods, we can build a strong case. As you focus on recovery or grieving, we can focus on the granular legal matters. This peace of mind we offer is often invaluable after a major trauma.
Contact the Lawyers of Reed & Terry, LLP
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a truck accident, it’s important that you contact the truck accident lawyers of Reed & Terry, LLP. We will help you make sound legal decisions throughout the litigation process.