Falling Cargo from Trucks Can Cause Devastating Injuries to Other Motorists

 Posted on April 08, 2019 in Car Accidents

Many people feel uneasy driving behind a large semi-truck or other vehicles carrying cargo. Looking past the steering wheel and seeing large crates or other objects strapped the vehicle in front of you can be unnerving to say the least. Unfortunately, these fears are not completely irrational. While most truck cargo is loaded and strapped down securely, loose cargo can and does sometimes fall out of trucks. The debris can easily hit another vehicle or cause an accident. Sadly, people have been seriously injured and killed due to improperly loaded or loose truck cargo.

Trucks with Unsecure Cargo Are in Violation of Federal Law

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that truck cargo is to be properly secured by using equipment like wedges and/or tie-downs so that it does not shift during transportation. The use of inflatable bags and similar materials as filler or padding between pieces of cargo or between the cargo and the trailer walls may be necessary to prevent cargo from moving within the truck and causing problems. Cargo that is not adequately secured can shift during transportation and easily throw an 18-wheeler off balance. This can result in a jack-knife accident or other serious collision. Loose cargo that falls into the road can also be a deadly hazard.

Transportation companies who do not take appropriate measures to secure cargo are not only in violation of the law, but also put the driver of the truck and other motorists’ lives in danger. Companies who fail to uphold proper loading procedures can be held liable for accidents, injuries, and deaths caused by the loose cargo.

Negligent Truck Drivers Can Be Held Liable for Accidents

Improper truck loading is not the only reason truck accidents occur. Trucks that are not properly maintained may malfunction and cause an accident. Drivers who are sleep deprived may doze off at the wheel and cause a collision. Drug use or driving under the influence (DUI) can also contribute to truck crashes. Drivers who are speeding, not using turn signals, texting while driving, or otherwise driving unsafely can be held liable for any injuries that their behavior causes.

Contact a Skilled Rockford, Illinois Truck Accidents Lawyer

If you have been injured or a loved one has lost their life due to a truck accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for damages like medical bills and pain and suffering. Contact the experienced Winnebago County personal injury attorneys at Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, to learn more. Call 815-215-7561 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.

Source:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Drivers_Handbook_Cargo_Securement.pdf