Can I Recover Damages for a Truck Accident Involving Unsecured Cargo?

 Posted on October 29, 2021 in Personal Injury

When you get behind the wheel of a car and drive, you may find yourself surrounded by trucks transporting large loads of goods. Drivers usually assume that these loads are securely fastened and will not come loose. Federal regulations and professional conduct in the trucking industry are meant to prevent disastrous accidents from happening because of items that fall from trucks or liquids spilled in the road. Unfortunately, truck drivers and trucking companies do not always follow the proper regulations or practices, and unsecured loads can lead to deadly truck accidents.  

Commercial Trucks Can Cause Accidents Due to Improperly Secured Loads

According to AAA, tens of thousands of crashes occur every year due to debris in the road. Trying to avoid debris can cause a car to careen out of control, which can inadvertently lead to disastrous injuries and deaths. Accidents can also occur when vehicles collide with obstacles, and cargo that falls onto freeways or other major expressways may lead to multi-vehicle pileups that cause injuries to large numbers of people. Drivers and passengers can also be seriously injured if a truck’s load falls on top of a vehicle. Since these items can be very large and heavy, they can cause a vehicle to be crushed, leading to injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries.

It is crucial for trucking professionals to ensure that their vehicle loads are properly secured. The correct use of tools such as netting, straps, chains, and tarp covers can prevent debris from falling into the road. Drivers should double-check their loads, never overload their vehicles, and ensure that they are traveling at the appropriate speed. In some cases, cargo may become unsecured because it was not loaded properly or due to maintenance defects in the tools used to secure loads.

What if I Have Been Injured by an Unsecured Load? 

Trucking accidents caused by improperly secured loads are complex, and they can involve multiple liable parties and insurance policies. Individuals who have suffered serious losses because of unsecured loads and loose debris may be able to seek compensation from a truck driver, a trucking company, a company that was responsible for loading a truck, or the manufacturer or defective parts. A victim may be able to recover compensation for lost time at work, medical expenses, mental health conditions, and even burial costs through a personal injury lawsuit.

Meet with an Orland Park, IL Personal Injury Attorney

If you or someone you love have been severely injured in an accident due to an unsecured load, you will want to make sure you are taking the correct steps to receive financial compensation. At Schwartz Injury Law, our Cook County personal injury attorneys have experience with cases just like this, and we will handle yours with the compassion and attention it deserves. We know how hard these situations can be, and that is why we will advocate passionately on your behalf. Contact one of our conveniently located offices today to schedule a free consultation. Call us at 708-888-2160.

Sources:

https://newsroom.aaa.com/2016/08/american-drivers-arent-securing-loads-road/ 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-401