How Truck Accidents Are Caused by Unsecured Loads
Commercial truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries due to the size disparity between semi-trucks and passenger vehicles. One type of truck accident that presents a unique set of hazards is accidents involving trucks carrying improperly secured or excessive loads.
An overloaded truck accident lawyer can fight for your legal rights if you’re involved in an accident caused by improper cargo loading. Contact our legal team to learn more about how we can help.
How Do Unsecured Loads Cause Truck Accidents?
Failure to properly secure cargo can cause a variety of issues that may lead to unsecured load accidents, including:
- Uneven distribution of cargo resulting in load shifting
- Load shifting causing the driver to lose control of the truck
- Cargo spilling onto the roadway
- Load shifting resulting in a rollover
- Unsecured load obstructing the driver’s line of sight
- Imbalance caused by overloading
- Tire blowouts caused by overloading
- Overloading causing loss of control while going downhill
- Overloading requiring greater stopping distance
Improper cargo securement, uneven cargo distribution, and overloading make semi-trucks more challenging to handle and increase the risk of trucking accidents by making trucks less likely to respond in the way their drivers expect. Cargo loaders must have their work inspected by a superior before the truck driver departs with an improperly loaded vehicle.
Laws Regarding Load Securing and Liability
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has established guidelines governing all facets of the transportation industry in the interest of public safety, including rules concerning cargo securement in commercial trucks. These laws apply to trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds, and anyone who interacts with these trucks, including drivers, trucking companies, mechanics, and cargo loaders, must abide by the regulations. Any of these parties may also be held liable if their negligence causes or contributes to unsecured cargo accidents.
The general rule of thumb is that all cargo transported by commercial vehicles must be secured and immobilized using appropriate materials and systems. Cargo must be prevented from rolling, coming loose, or otherwise shifting in transit. The FMCSA also has detailed rules regarding specific types of cargo, such as logs, metal coils, heavy equipment, and more.
What To Do After an Unsecured Load Accident
After being involved in a truck crash, your top priority should be to secure the medical care you need and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. You’ll also want to reach out to an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. They’ll listen to your side of the story and help you determine the best course of action, which could include pursuing a truck accident claim against the liable parties. These might include truck drivers, the trucking company, and those who loaded the cargo.
Contact Our Georgia Truck Accident Attorneys for Help
Have you been injured in an accident caused by a truck with an unsecured or over-capacity load? You may be facing significant physical injuries, high medical bills, and concerns about your future. An overloaded truck accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.
Contact Geiger Legal Group, LLC today to discuss your legal options in a free consultation. Our truck accident lawyers look forward to learning about your situation and showing you how we can help.
