Who Is Liable for a Crash Caused by Dropped Truck Freight?

 Posted on April 15, 2022 in Auto Accidents

Freight trucks transport the majority of the cargo shipped across the country. While most trucks are loaded properly and the freight is shipped without incident, sometimes, cargo becomes dislodged. In extreme cases, cargo even falls off of the truck and onto the road. This creates an extremely serious and potentially deadly hazard.

If you or a loved one were involved in an accident caused by loose or dropped cargo, you may be unsure of who to blame. A personal injury attorney experienced in truck accident cases can help you identify the liable party and seek the financial compensation you need.

Improper Loading and Securement of Truck Freight

Commercial trucks travel vast distances – often on rough roads and through unpredictable weather. The importance of truck cargo being loaded properly and secured tightly can hardly be overstated. Loose truck cargo can move around in the trailer of a semi-truck, causing the driver to lose control. Truck freight may even drop out of a truck during transit. Fallen cargo may strike other vehicles directly or cause accidents indirectly when motorists swerve to avoid colliding with the cargo.

At-Fault Parties in a Dropped Cargo Case

Determining fault for a commercial truck accident is often one of the most complex aspects of the case. Multiple parties may be at fault. The truck driver may have failed to confirm that cargo was appropriately loaded and secured before traveling. The trucking company may have failed to regularly inspect and maintain the truck. It is also possible for fault to lie with the company that designed, manufactured, or sold the securement devices used to attach the cargo to the truck. Sometimes, a combination of factors create a “perfect storm” of events that leads to dropped cargo.

A skilled personal injury lawyer with experience in truck accident cases can evaluate the evidence and investigate the circumstances of the incident. Often, accident reconstructionists and other experts are needed to fully understand why an accident occurred. Your lawyer can help you hold the at-fault party accountable and pursue financial compensation for your medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost income, and other damages.

Contact an Elk Grove Truck Crash Lawyer

If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash caused by loose or dropped truck freight, contact Kaiser Law for help. Our Bensenville personal injury attorneys can evaluate the cause of your accident and help you pursue compensation for damage. You could be entitled to monetary damages for economic damages as well as non-economic damages like your pain and suffering.

Call 630-274-4400 for a free consultation.

Source:

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