Truck drivers are responsible for ensuring cargo loads are secured properly so that they don’t pose any hazards to other drivers. Unfortunately, not all truck drivers adhere to this safety precaution and accidents with loose or unsecured cargo arise. Such accidents are dangerous, and can cause serious injuries to all involved parties.
If you’ve incurred harm in a truck accident that resulted from loose or unsecured cargo, reach out to Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. to speak with a skilled cargo spill truck accident lawyer. We can help determine liability and ensure your rights remain protected throughout the entire claims process. Call us at (205) 933-1500 today, or reach out online to schedule a free consultation of your case.
Cargo Regulations
Federal regulations are in place to make sure that truck companies and drivers properly secure their cargo. Truck and tractor drivers must inspect the cargo and the devices used to secure it within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip.
Drivers are also required to continuously re-examine vehicle cargo and its load securement devices throughout a trip, making adjustments as necessary. Sadly, many truck companies and drivers disregard these regulations, and innocent drivers sustain serious injuries as a result.
How Unsecured Truck Loads Cause Accidents
Since trucks are massive in size and weight, they require proper balance. Too much weight, a lack of balance, inadequate restraints for loose items, and using the wrong type of truck for the wrong type of cargo can all result in a serious accident.
If loose items come off the back of a truck, they may crash into hood or windshield of the car behind it, and crush – or in the most serious cases, kill – its passengers. Loose items that make their way off the back of a truck may also cause cars behind it to swerve and cause a crash.
Another similar scenario is chemicals or hazardous materials spilling onto cars or the roads from an unsecured truck load. This may lead to fires, explosions, toxic exposure, severe burns, and environmental damage. While loose cargo may not cause immediate harm, if it stays on the road for long enough and a car strikes into it, a wreck might occur.
The ideal way to handle these types of accidents is drive defensively and remain aware of your surroundings while driving. When you’re behind the wheel, look for signs of potential dangers such as cargo that extends over the sides of a truck bed and is likely to fall out. A lack of cargo covers is also dangerous, as the wind can send even the heaviest mattress flying. Loose tarps can also pose a serious hazard, as the wind can dislodge loads and release cargo. Try to stay away from trucks that pose these types of dangers as much as possible.
Proving Fault in an Unsecured Truck Load Accident
It can be quite challenging to prove fault in an unsecured truck load accident. Although you can say that there was unsecured cargo on the road while you were driving and the cargo caused you to swerve and crash, you need to prove this. By working with an experienced attorney, you can present the best case possible.
An Alabama truck accident lawyer can interview witnesses who saw your accident occur. They can also collect data from a black box, which is a computer inside of a car that records and stores crash information. Logbooks from truck drivers and cargo load records may also help prove liability.
Hurt in an Unsecured Truck Load Accident? Call Us Today
If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by unsecured truck loads, Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. is an invaluable resource. We can perform a thorough investigation of your case to determine the cause of the accident, and fight for you to recover the compensation you may be entitled to. Contact us today at (205) 933-1500 to schedule a free consultation of your case.
