While all accidents bring with them stress and the potential for injury, an accident involving a truck or unsecured load promises even more potential for damage and complication. Long-haul trucks are responsible for transporting necessary cargo across the country and making sure we have everything we need on time. Occasionally, the loading process is not done properly, and a cargo load can become unsecured, increasing the likelihood of an accident and serious injuries.
Causes of Unsecure Loads Accidents
An accident involving an unsecure load can occur for a number of reasons. Common causes include:
- Improper Loading Techniques: Failure to use the correct methods to load cargo into the cargo hold and poor positioning can lead to accidents. Balancing is crucial in cargo transportation.
- Failure to Use Proper Restraints: Most trucking companies use extensive restraints when moving cargo. If cargo is not tied down properly, it can shift or overturn and cause accidents.
- Overloading: Vehicles are designed with specific weight limits in mind. If cargo limits aren’t respected, it can lead to overturned trucks.
- Inadequate Training: Oversized hauls and hazardous materials often require additional training to handle safely. Some accidents occur because the driver or loaders are not properly trained for their specific cargo and fail to take the correct precautions.
Evidence Used to Determine Liability in Unsecured Load Accidents
Determining liability can be complicated following an unsecured load accident as various parties – such as the driver or the driver’s employer – may be at fault. The following evidence is crucial in determining liability by our truck accident lawyers in Louisville:
- Police Report: As with any accident, a police report is used to compile the facts of the case and verify the descriptions given by the involved parties.
- Eyewitness testimony: Witnesses are helpful in verifying and determining the events of the accident. They can often attest to whether the accident occurred due to driver error or external factors, like load issues.
- Expert Testimony: When accidents involve commercial vehicles, oversized loads, or improperly stored cargo, expert testimony is helpful in determining what best practices would have been or what might have gone wrong to cause the accident.
- Cargo and Transportation Regulations: Trucking is a heavily regulated industry with distinct measures for various types of cargo and sizes. If the regulations weren’t followed properly, that can easily put liability on the shipping company.
The best way to determine the cause of the accident and to ensure you have all the necessary evidence is to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After an Unsecure Load Accident
A personal injury lawyer is in Louisville a valuable asset following an accident, and this is especially the case when the accident involves cargo issues and the injuries that occur. A personal injury lawyer can help you gather and compile evidence, determine if you have a viable case, and press for any damages or compensation you may be owed.
If you’ve experienced economic hardship due to an accident from medical bills or lost wages, you may be eligible for compensation. In extreme cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant.
If you’ve recently been in an accident involving an unsecure load or cargo truck, contact us now for a free consultation. Our skilled Louisville accident attorneys can determine if you have a case and facilitate all steps of that process to ensure your needs are represented.