Cargo shifts can cause commercial trucks to become imbalanced and cargo to fall off the vehicle into the path of unsuspecting motorists. When a truck accident is caused by lost cargo, responsibility may lie with the truck driver, trucking company, or cargo loader. The experienced truck accident lawyers at Salango Law, PLLC, can help gather evidence to prove fault and fight for your fair compensation.
How Shifting Cargo Causes Truck Accidents
Cargo shifts are a leading cause of truck accidents. When cargo shifts to one side of the truck during transit, the truck can roll over or jackknife. When cargo is not secured properly, it can fall off the back of the truck. It may be traveling at a high rate of speed and can do considerable damage to nearby vehicles. It can also fall onto the roadway. Motorists may try to avoid collisions and swerve, only to hit another motorist.
Common Causes of Cargo Loading Accidents
The FMCSA has strict rules concerning how cargo must be loaded and safely secured onto trucks. Cargo loading accidents can occur when companies disregard these rules or make mistakes, such as:
- Overloading the truck
- Underloading the truck
- Distributing the weight unevenly
- Distributing the weight of cargo with a high center of gravity
- Improperly covering cargo
- Improper bracing of cargo
- Obstructing the driver’s view with the cargo
- Using the wrong type of tie-downs
- Using worn or defective tie-downs
- Not using an adequate number of tie-downs to secure the load
Required Periodic Load Inspections
Truck drivers are required to conduct periodic inspections of their loads to prevent these types of accidents. FMCSA regulations require drivers to check their loads at the following intervals:
- Before the trip
- During the first 50 miles of the trip
- At the beginning of each change in driver status
- Every 150 miles or three hours
Evidence to Help Prove Your Case
Our lawyers will work hard to secure evidence to prove your case, which may include:
- Inspection records: We can demand inspection records from the trucking company to see if the driver completed the required checks.
- Videos or photos of the accident: You or others may have videos or pictures that can help demonstrate the factors that contributed to the accident.
- Expert witness reports: Accident reconstruction experts can prepare reports that use available information to create visual representations of how the crash occurred.
- Medical records: Your medical records can connect your injuries with the truck accident.
- Proof of damages: We can gather receipts, invoices, estimates, medical bills, and other documentation that shows how the accident has affected your life.
Call for a Free Case Review with an Experienced Lost Cargo Truck Accident Lawyer
Lost load accidents should not happen. If you were injured in this type of accident, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer who will fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. The legal team at Salango Law, PLLC has recovered over $300 million for our clients. Call us at (304) 342-0512 for a free consultation.