Unsecured Truck Load Accident

In Nevada commercial trucks have all kinds of accidents for many reasons. When passenger vehicles are involved, driver error is often to blame.

Trucks carry all types of cargo. Making sure that the payload is secure is vital to highway safety.

If a truck’s cargo is unsecured, an accident from this can be devastating.

If you were involved in an accident due to an unsecured load, you may be entitled to receive compensation.

These types of accidents can do serious damage to property and cause bodily harm.

After an unsecured cargo accident, it will be important for you to have a truck accident lawyer to guide you.

Unsecured truck load accidents can be complicated. Dealing with insurance companies and trucking companies can be daunting.

It will be important to determine liability. Truck drivers may try to pass the blame. Every accident will have its own set of circumstances.

Further investigating may be required to find the proof needed. There may be multiple parties to blame for the unsecured load.

Our team of knowledgeable truck accident lawyers will hold the responsible person or party accountable.

Damages from Unsecured Truck Load Accidents

Any time a truck is involved in any type of accident, the results can be catastrophic. Passenger vehicles are no match for a large truck with tons of cargo. Big rigs can carry enormous loads and weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Some of the damages from an unsecured truck load accident include, but are not limited to:

Medical Costs: Getting injured in a truck accident can be costly. Injuries are often much worse in a regular sized passenger vehicle. Unsecured load accidents can do a great deal of harm. Medical expenses can include hospitalization, medication, therapy, and rehabilitation. Doctor visits may be ongoing. Severe injuries may need long-term medical care. We will fight for all medical expenses caused by the accident. This will include both expenses now and in the future.

Lost Wages: Getting injured in a truck accident can affect employment. Losing time at work can create financial burdens. If you were injured by the fault of another it is possible to receive reimbursement for these lost wages. Some of the most serious injuries can leave a victim incapacitated. This can affect the ability to earn in the future as well as in the present.

Pain and Suffering: The severity of the injury will be a major factor in these damages. Emotional pain can also be calculated into the lawsuit. Accidents with big rigs can have a major effect on a person’s mental health. Fear and depression are common after injury accidents.

The Law Offices of Richard Harris will fight to get you paid for all the damages. Our team of experienced truck accident attorneys is here to answer any questions you have. After an injury, it is vital to immediately get the help of a trusted and respected lawyer. Contact us today by phone, email, or come by the office.

Determining Liability After an Unsecured Load Truck Accident?

There are many factors that will ultimately determine legal responsibility. Proving liability will be needed in order to win the claim.

In some accidents, there will be multiple parties involved.

• Trucking Company: Trucking companies and their workers have a legal obligation to obey all the industry safety rules and regulations. This is for the safety of the truckers and everyone else traveling our Nevada highways. Securing the cargo is important. Loading and unloading cargo can be a massive undertaking. Large commercial trucks and their freight can be extremely heavy. Cargo must be tied down properly and in place so that it does not shift around. This is true when hauling loads in an open or closed trailer. Truck accidents always have a high risk of fatalities.
• Truck Driver: If the driver of the truck is at fault for the crash, they can be held liable. Driving recklessly can result in a shifting load. Turning the steering wheel quickly or hitting the brakes incorrectly is dangerous. Loads can become unsecured if the truck driver’s actions cause an accident. Truckers have the duty to safely operate their vehicles. Driving distracted is a common cause of all motor accidents and truckers are no exception.
• Cargo Loading Company: The company that is responsible for loading the cargo can be held liable. Accidents that are caused by improper loading are often the negligence of the employees of the loading company. Understanding who is responsible for these failure can be tricky. Only an experienced truck attorney will be able to uncover all the evidence in the accident that will prove who is responsible. This will give you your best chance at winning the lawsuit.

Let us take a look at all the evidence in your case. Our first consultation is always free.

We want to get you the justice and the compensation that you deserve. We are waiting for your call.

Common Causes of Unsecured Truck Load Collisions

Trucks carry goods and services of all shapes and sizes across the US every day. Loading the cargo properly is necessary for a safe ride. With increased competition to deliver bigger loads faster, there is a chance for error. Making a mistake when loading the cargo can be costly and deadly.

Unsecured cargo accidents can be life-threatening for not only the trucker, but for everyone else on the roads as well. Even bike riders, pedestrians, and other bystanders can be at risk in an unsecured truck-load incident.

• Overloading Cargo: Going beyond the legal weight limit can cause a shifting load. Especially, if the weight is not distributed evenly. There are rules and regulations on weight that must be followed when it comes to the cargo.
• Improper Inspection: If cargo is not evenly loaded, it can shift while traveling. Spills and loss of cargo can occur when this is the case. Skipping or overlooking important inspection regulations and procedures can have horrific results.
• Tie-Down Issues: If ties are faulty and break the freight can shift. Loads can also fall off the truck and on the roadway. This is why it is important to always be aware and cautious when traveling near trucks.
• Securing Devices: The truck itself has cargo securing devices. If these are faulty or broken, loads can become loose. Regular checks and maintenance are necessary for safety.
• Driver Error: Drivers can make mistakes. If they do, this can be catastrophic. Unsecured cargo accidents are often the fault of the driver. Sharp turns and sudden maneuvers can cause cargo to shift.
• Trailer Doors: These doors must be able to be closed and secured. Failure of locks, latches, or other mechanical issues can cause a load to come out of the trailer and end up on the road.

Cargo loads that are improperly loaded can cause havoc if there is an accident. Besides all the property damage, serious injuries can occur. Richard Harris will look at the evidence and get to the truth. We know how to put a case together that can win. We have won $billions for clients in Nevada.

What is Improperly Secured and Loaded Cargo?

This refers to freight that is not properly fastened in commercial trucks. Loads must adhere to the guidelines set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This includes minimum tie-downs and workload limits. The cargo must be placed properly. Distributing the weight of the freight is important. Trucks that are overloaded and not adhering to these regulations are in violation. Over 60% of goods in the US are transported by trucks each year. Unfortunately, not all of these drivers and companies are adequately securing and loading their cargo.

Types of Truck Accidents Caused by Unsecured Cargo

When cargo shifts, the truck can become unbalanced. This can lead to many different types of truck accidents. Every one of these is incredibly dangerous to anyone involved. Multiple lanes and vehicles are often included in these types of crashes.

1. Jackknife: If cargo shifts unexpectedly, the trailer can get moved to the side and form a L with the cab. When the trailer swings, it can go into multiple lanes. This can cause a multi-vehicle accident.
2. Rollover: The sheer weight of a shifting, unbalanced load can cause both the trailer and cab to roll over on their sides. Taking a turn at high speeds or an unexpected jerk of the wheel can create a rollover situation.
3. Rear End: A truck will take more time and distance to come to a complete stop. If brakes are applied and cargo shifts forward the momentum can make stopping even more difficult. Slamming into the back of a passenger vehicle with a commercial truck will cause major damage. Injuries can be long-term.
4. Side Swipe Accidents: Unsecured loads can make the trailer swerve and side swipe another vehicle. In these accidents, it may not rollover but still create a hazardous condition.