Personal Injury Claims Involving Loose Cargo Truck Accidents

 Posted on July 26,2022 in Personal Injury

Nearly three-fourths of the freight shipped across the United States is carried via large commercial trucks. Trucks carry everything from consumer goods to hazardous materials such as combustible liquids and gases. When truck cargo is not secured on or in the truck correctly, the cargo can become loose. Sometimes, freight falls off of the truck and onto the road below. Other times, cargo moves around within the truck’s trailer, causing the truck to tip or veer out of control.  

Auto accidents caused by loose or fallen truck freight are often catastrophic. Severe and fatal injuries are not uncommon – especially if the freight was flammable. If you or a loved one were involved in a truck crash caused by improperly secured cargo, you may be able to file an injury claim against the at-fault party and collect damages.

Negligent Loading and Securement of Cargo Leading to a Crash

Loading cargo in a large commercial truck requires great precision. Trucks that are off balance due to uneven distribution of freight will not handle correctly. The driver will have a much harder time avoiding collisions. Overloaded or overweight trucks are also much more likely to be involved in a crash. The more weight on the truck, the longer it takes for the truck to come to a stop. Overloading a commercial truck can also wear out the tires, brakes, and other truck components much more quickly than would be expected.

Truck cargo that is not correctly strapped down and secured may fall from the trailer, striking another vehicle or causing a dangerous road hazard. Motorists may end up causing a collision while maneuvering around the fallen cargo. Liquid and gas cargo that spills from a commercial truck may result in explosions, fires, or toxic fumes.

Liability for Truck Accidents Caused by Inadequate Loading and Securement of Freight

Individuals who are hurt in collisions caused by improper securement of truck cargo may be able to sue for damages. Often, liability for these types of crashes falls to the trucking company or truck owner. Sometimes, the driver himself or herself is legally responsible. If the crash was caused by a defective truck component or securement device, the designer or manufacturer of the defective component may be liable.  

Contact Our Cook County Truck Crash Injury Attorneys

Individuals injured in a truck accident may be entitled to compensation for economic damages like medical bills as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. If you were hurt or a loved one was killed in a collision involving a commercial truck, contact Schwartz Injury Law. Our Joliet commercial truck accident lawyers can evaluate your case and determine if you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Call 708-888-2160 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.trucking.org/economics-and-industry-data