Commercial trucks often transport heavy and sometimes hazardous cargo across Texas every day. When cargo shifts, falls from a truck, or becomes loose during transport, it can create serious danger for other drivers.
If you were injured in a truck accident caused by falling or shifting cargo from a truck, you may have a right to compensation. Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Austin, Texas, can help protect your claim.
What Is an Unsecured Cargo Truck Accident?
Federal safety regulations require that cargo be properly distributed and secured before transport. An unsecured cargo truck accident occurs when cargo transported by a commercial truck becomes loose and causes a crash.
Examples of unsecured cargo accidents include:
- Cargo falling from an open truck bed
- Improperly tied loads shifting inside a trailer
- Debris falling from construction trucks
- Overloaded trucks losing control due to shifting weight
- Loose materials spilling onto the roadway
Falling or shifting cargo can cause multi-vehicle pile-ups as drivers swerve to avoid cargo and collide with the truck, another vehicle, or a stationary object. A skilled truck accident attorney in Austin can help establish whether improper loading violated federal safety standards.
Common Injuries Associated With Unsecured Cargo Truck Accidents
Unsecured cargo accidents can happen without warning. Drivers may have little time to react when debris or shifting cargo appears in the roadway.
Victims of these crashes may suffer injuries such as:
- Head and brain injuries
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
- Internal injuries
- Crush injuries (if cargo falls on another vehicle)
- Spinal cord injuries
In severe cases, large objects falling from trucks can strike other vehicles directly, causing catastrophic damage and serious injuries. A dedicated truck accident lawyer understands how to quantify the long-term impact of these devastating events.
Who Could Be Liable for My Unsecured Cargo Truck Accident in Texas?
Determining liability in an unsecured cargo accident often requires a careful investigation, as several parties may share responsibility for failing to ensure that the cargo was properly loaded and secured.
Potential liable parties may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Cargo loading companies
- Freight shippers or logistics providers
Victims of unsecured cargo accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages caused by the crash. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer can pursue recovery from every responsible corporate entity.
Reach Out to Our Truck Accident Attorneys at Dow Law Firm for a Free Case Review
If you were injured in an accident caused by unsecured cargo, an experienced Austin truck accident lawyer can help investigate the crash and identify responsible parties. Contact Dow Law Firm today at (512) 240-9951 to discuss your case and learn how a truck accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.