Unsecured cargo can cause damage to vehicles, including yours. These cargo pieces often fall off tractor-trailers, causing accidents. This article explores what to do if you’ve had an accident caused by unsecured cargo and who to contact if you’ve had damage done to your vehicle.
Unsecured cargo can cause damage
A car laden with unsecured cargo can result in a severe or even fatal accident. The driver is liable for any damage caused by the cargo. Unsecured cargo is hazardous, as it can cause sudden stops or collisions with nearby vehicles. Therefore, it is crucial to secure all cargo when transporting it.
According to the American Automobile Association, unsecured cargo contributes to more than 25,000 motor vehicle accidents yearly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has regulations governing the weight of cargo and the proper procedures for securing it. The rules also apply to weigh stations on highways, where law enforcement officials can enforce the rules regarding commercial trucking.
Road debris in the United States caused more than 200,000 accidents between 2011 and 2014, with almost 40,000 personal injuries and 500 fatalities. According to a study from 2012, accidents caused by unsecured cargo were most frequent in states with weaker laws on cargo security. The study showed that loose particle board was considered a littering offense in these states.
Car accidents can also occur when cargo shifts while in a vehicle. When this happens, the driver is not liable for the damages. Even if the cargo is secured correctly, shifting may still occur. Moreover, multiple parties often share liability for damages due to unsecured cargo. The party that loaded the cargo may have improperly secured it or failed to use adequate tie-downs. It can cause the truck to jackknife or flip over, and the cargo may fly into the road at high speed. If the cargo is large and heavy, it could hit an oncoming car and cause an accident.
Unsecured cargo can land on your vehicle
Fortunately, it’s relatively simple to prevent. In a recent study by the Government Accountability Office, unsecured loads were responsible for 440 deaths and more than 10,000 injuries on the road. Truckers can avoid this danger by taking a few minutes to ensure the cargo is secured to the vehicle. Most commonly, unsecured cargo is unsecured because it hasn’t been fastened to the vehicle. This includes loose cargo, tarps, debris, and netting. This means that it can be unfastened and land on your vehicle when you suddenly hit the brakes or swerve while driving. Ultimately, this can damage other vehicles and cause an accident.
Another danger of unsecured cargo is falling from the truck and hitting another vehicle. Loose cargo can quickly fly off a truck and crash through a windshield. Not only can it cause damage to the car, but it can also distract the driver from paying attention to the road. A distracted driver may lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
If you are the victim of a truck accident, contact a Houston truck accident attorney to discuss your legal options. A Texas truck crash attorney will listen to your concerns and pursue compensation for your loss. In addition, they offer a free case review to discuss your specific case.
Unsecured cargo causes accidents
Many people don’t realize the dangers associated with unsecured cargo. Many drivers believe their load is secure while driving, but it isn’t.
Unsecured cargo can fall from a vehicle and strike other vehicles. Because highway speeds are often over 70 mph, an unsecured object can fly off the car and smash into the windshield, injuring passengers. Moreover, road debris can also pose a risk, causing a blowout or other damage.
According to the American Automobile Association, unsecured cargo causes nearly half of car accidents involving debris. The association reported more than 200,000 accidents related to unsecured cargo between 2011 and 2014, which resulted in 500 deaths and more than 39,000 injuries. Luckily, the government promotes awareness about the dangers of driving with unsecured cargo. As of last year, driving with an unsecured load is punishable with a fine of up to $100.
Many truck accidents are caused by unsecured cargo. According to the American Automobile Association, unsecured cargo is the primary cause of over 25,000 motor vehicle accidents yearly. Trucks must follow strict regulations regarding cargo weight and securement. In such situations, it is essential to ensure that your car insurance policy fully covers you. In many cases, trucking companies and their loading crews may be partially liable for the car accident. In such cases, you can seek compensation for your injuries. If you’re looking for legal help, contact Joe Zaid & Associates to get a free consultation.
You may be entitled to compensation if your truck has been hit by an unsecured cargo truck. Unsecured cargo can lead to a collision, causing you to lose control of the vehicle and crash into another vehicle. In addition to being dangerous, unsecured cargo poses a risk to other motorists. It can also lead to fatalities.
Who you should contact
When it comes to car crashes, unsecured cargo or unbalanced loads can prove to be deadly. Even small items can become projectiles in an accident, causing catastrophic injuries. The responsibility for ensuring cargo is adequately secured rests on the driver and owner of the truck. A driver that fails to ensure cargo is secured is responsible for the resulting accidents and injuries. Fortunately, you have options for getting compensation if you are injured.
Truck drivers have a legal duty to secure their loads, so they must do so correctly. Failing to do so can result in criminal penalties. However, these penalties are generally pursued only in the most severe accidents. Unfortunately, truck accidents resulting in car damage from unsecured cargo are often the result of a truck driver’s negligence. An attorney must prove liability that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care.
If you have been involved in an unsecured load accident, you should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. This will help protect your rights and help you prove that the other driver was negligent in preventing the cargo from falling. If you have suffered an injury because of an unsecured load, your lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Unsecured cargo can shift within a flatbed truck or trailer and cause the vehicle to swerve and spin. This can be deadly, especially if a large object hits a car or other vehicle.
The person who loaded the cargo may also be partially liable if the truck driver fails to secure his cargo correctly. However, in many cases, a trucking company is responsible for negligence. In these cases, the truck driver may have neglected to properly secure his load, or he could have neglected to inspect the cargo regularly.