Trucking Accidents Involving Improperly Loaded Cargo
Although any auto accident has the potential to cause serious injury and extensive property damage, truck accidents are known to be some of the most catastrophic, primarily because the extreme weight of a truck. Unfortunately, trucks can be difficult to handle and do not respond as quickly as smaller vehicles. One factor that can increase that risk even further is improperly loaded cargo.
Trucking accidents involving improperly loaded cargo can cause huge losses for our Kirkland, WA, Redmond, WA, and Renton, WA clients. Those who have been injured in a truck accident that was caused by improperly loaded cargo should contact the experienced attorneys at Quick Law Group, PLLC to learn more about their rights to financial compensation for damages.
The Dangers of Improperly Loaded Cargo
Trucks are large vehicles that are built to carry a significant amount of weight. However, how much weight is loaded and the way that weight is distributed is important to the performance and handling of the truck. If cargo is improperly loaded, overloaded, unbalanced, or unsecured, it can greatly increase the risk of a trucking accident. Some dangers associated with improperly loaded cargo include:
- Jack-knifing due to weight imbalance
- Rollover crash as the result of a top-heavy load
- Loose debris and road hazards from improperly secured cargo
Cargo Regulations
The dangers of improperly loaded cargo are well known and there are regulations in place that dictate how cargo should be loaded. Trucking companies are responsible for following these regulations and teaching their employees these rules so that the risk of an accident can be minimized.
The regulations that have been set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, pertain to the following:
- How cargo should be secured in or on a vehicle (including the use of dunnage bags or shoring bars to fill space between cargo or space between cargo and the wall of the truck)
- Positioning of anchor points to secure cargo
- The minimum number of tie down restraints to secure a load
- Commodity-specific securement requirements (i.e. how certain items must be secured)
Before any transport begins, the truck driver is expected to inspect the load to ensure it is properly secured and balanced.
Seeking Compensation after a Truck Accident
People who are injured in a truck accident caused by improperly loaded cargo have a right to seek financial compensation for damages. Based on the specifics of the accident, the trucking company, the truck driver, multiple parties may be held liable for the accident and resulting losses.
Unfortunately, trucking companies know they stand to lose a lot of money in truck accident cases, so they often try to deny liability or offer a quick settlement to minimize their losses. To ensure that they are justly compensated for the full extent of their losses, it is important for truck accident victims to work with experienced attorneys who have an in-depth understanding of FMCSA regulations, such as those at Quick Law Group, PLLC. The knowledge, experience, and dedication of our legal team will help clients receive the compensation they are due for truck accident damages.
Contact Us
If you have been injured in a truck accident, do not accept a settlement without consulting an experienced attorney. Contact us at your earliest convenience to learn how the truck accident attorneys at Quick Law Group, PLLC will work to protect your rights and maximize financial compensation for your losses.