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.
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.
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 injuriesÂ
- 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.
Who Could Be Liable for My Unsecured Cargo Truck Accident?
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.
If you were injured in an accident caused by unsecured cargo, an experienced truck accident attorney can help investigate the crash and identify responsible parties. Contact Dow Law Firm today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.