Alabama drivers are often near large trucks that carry heavy and potentially dangerous cargo. We expect cargo to be properly secured in a truck, but unfortunately this is not always the case. An unsecured load accident can occur if you hit something that recently fell onto the road, or if you are directly hit by cargo that is falling off a truck. These accidents can cause major collisions that often result in serious injury or death, and you will need a skilled truck accident lawyer to help you through the aftermath of one of these accidents.
It’s not always easy to identify exactly who is responsible for an unsecured load accident. The truck accident lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C., understand that each case is unique, and we have helped investigate many accidents while seeking compensation for our clients. To speak with an experienced attorney today in a free case consultation, call our office at (205) 933-1500.
Numerous Parties Are Required to Keep A Truck’s Cargo from Hurting Someone
Trucking is a huge industry. Therefore, numerous different people and companies handle goods as they are shipped from their origin to their destination. People who are injured in an accident caused by unsecured cargo will often only consider the driver as being responsible, but there are several other possible parties who can share the responsibility in such an accident. An experienced truck accident lawyer knows how to investigate your case in order to find out who failed to keep the truck’s cargo safe. Responsible parties in an unsecured load accident can be:
- The truck driver – They are responsible for driving safely and transporting cargo in a safe manner. While drivers usually must inspect both the load and how it has been secured in the truck, there are exceptions. For example, if asked not to disrupt enclosed cargo, they may not have to open it in order to make sure it’s safe. Nonetheless, truck drivers have a responsibility and are usually at the center of a lawsuit over unsecured cargo.
- The trucking company – These companies employ drivers, and can be responsible for the bad conduct of their employee. They must make sure that their drivers are competent and understand the rules of the road.
- Third parties – These individuals or companies sometimes that recklessly load the truck can be found responsible for injuries that occur as a result of their negligence. This can extend to the company that employs the loader, or to a broker who arranged for the cargo to be shipped in the first place.
Your Accident Must Be Properly Investigated in Order to Recover the Damages You Deserve
While truck accidents are common, no two cases are alike, and detailed investigations must follow your accident in order to determine exactly what happened. A complete investigation will strengthen your case for damages. It will also allow your lawyer to aggressively enter negotiations with insurance providers or go to trial if necessary.
Truck accident investigations can be highly technical, and our office understands how to find out who was liable by studying police and first responder reports, accident reconstruction data, trucking logs, and more. Some of the most common causes for unsecured cargo accidents that we have seen include:
- Unsecured trailer doors
- Unbalanced loads
- Missing or broken latches or ties
- Failure to properly box or cover cargo
- Lack of proper maintenance on the truck
- Failure to properly examine a load before driving
Truck accident cases often require negotiations and lawsuits against various parties who may each share some of the responsibility in the injuries that the victim sustained. Our skilled legal team can help you and your family recover damages after an accident in order to compensate you for expenses related to:
- Medical bills
- Loss of earning capacity
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Wrongful death of a loved one
- Property damage
Hurt in an Unsecured Load Accident? Contact an Alabama Truck Accident Lawyer Today
A devastating truck accident can turn your life upside down, and it’s not always easy to understand who is responsible for your injuries. The truck accident lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C., have years of experience investigating truck accidents and recovering compensation for accident victims, and we know how to help you and your family during this difficult time. Truck accident cases require a lot of investigating and negotiations, so you should contact a skilled and knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible.
The big-rig accident lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. are experienced in taking truck accident cases involving serious injury to trial. We have won more than $200 million in settlements and jury verdicts. To find out more about how we can best represent you, learn how our truck accident lawyers can help you.
