Improper Loading Can Cause Dangerous Trucking Accidents 

 Posted on December 27,2022 in Car Accidents

The last ten years brought an explosion in online commerce, with companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Apple shipping hundreds of millions of dollars of goods around the country every year. With the increase in deliveries has come an increase in delivery trucks and big rigs on the road, and, unfortunately, an increase in serious and fatal trucking accidents. Every year, nearly 5,000 people die in large truck accidents, and well over 100,000 people are injured. 

While accidents are not entirely preventable, many accidents could be prevented with simple adherence to regulations and guidelines. One of the most common causes of trucking accidents in Illinois is improperly loaded cargo; when the contents of a truck are not correctly secured or distributed, they can shift during sharp turns and high speeds, leading to jackknifing, rollovers, inability to stop or slow down, and other serious accidents. If you were injured in a truck accident caused by shifting cargo, you are already well aware of the dangers of these accidents, but you may not realize that you may be able to take legal action against the people or companies responsible for your injuries. 

Who is Responsible for Shifting Truck Cargo? 

Every case is different and will require a thorough investigation to determine the ultimate source of liability for an accident. However, in most accident cases that occur due to shifting cargo, the driver and the loading company bear final responsibility for the contents of the truck. Both during loading and before transport, the driver is responsible for checking that the load is secure and that it will not shift dangerously during transport. Common causes of shifting loads include: 

• Worn out or broken straps or chains 

• Loads that exceed the weight limit of the straps, chains, or truck bed 

• Inappropriate strap configuration

• Broken door latches 

• Uncovered cargo trailers 

• Cargo that is not secured to the inside of the trailer

• Cargo that is unsafely loaded, leading to shifting loads and balance issues 

Even a minor mistake like a back door that is not fully secured can cause something small like a pothole to jostle a truck’s contents, causing them to spill out onto the roadway. Once the contents are on the road, other drivers have to make dangerous maneuvers to avoid running into them, making the chances of an accident high even if the truck itself is not involved. 

Trucking companies are federally required to follow load safety standards and should always check to ensure cargo is properly loaded. If a trucking company does not follow safety guidelines and run proper safety checks, even the best driver may miss dangerous loading mistakes. 

Meet with a Winnebago County Truck Accident Injury Lawyer

The dangers of trucks on the road are well-established. If you or a loved one have suffered as a result of an improperly loaded truck, you deserve to know your legal options. While a lawsuit may be the last thing on your mind as you recover from serious injury or grievous loss, taking action quickly is essential for working within the statute of limitations. The Rockford, IL truck accident injury lawyers with Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Injury Law will do the heavy lifting in your case to investigate the cause of the crash, gather evidence of liability, and negotiate or litigate your case to pursue the maximum possible compensation. Call us today at 815-215-7561. 

Source: 

https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/