Unsecured Cargo Causing Truck Accidents
Unsecured cargo is one of the many causes of truck accidents and is the most dangerous type of truck accident. An 18-wheeler truck can carry up to 80,000 lbs. of cargo. If this cargo is not secured correctly, it can fall off the truck and onto the road causing devastating truck accident crashes and simply putting the general public at risk. These accidents injure pedestrians and motorists and often result in their deaths. There are Federal regulations that stipulate truck cargos must be secured. Have you or a loved one been hurt by a collision caused by a big rig or truck with unsecured cargo? Call Houston’s Truck Accident Attorney, Walker Texas Lawyer. He will fight for you to receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Example of accidents that unsecured cargo can cause:
RESPONSIBILITY FOR SECURING TRANSFER TRUCK CARGO
The FMCSA requires that structures of sufficient strength firmly secure cargo. Items such as tie-downs or inflatable dunnage bags fill space between articles of cargo. Additionally, shoring bars could be used.
Cargo that is likely to roll must be secured and held in place by wedges, chocks, a cradle, or other means that will not come unfastened or loose while the vehicle is in transit.
Specific regulations address such factors as:
- The load limit of the cargo securement system about the weight of the cargo.
- Positioning of anchor points and the minimum number of tie-downs used to secure cargo.
- Detailed requirements for the securement of:
- Large boulders
- Roll-on and roll-off containers
- Flattened or crushed vehicles
- Heavy vehicles, equipment, and machinery
- Automobiles, light trucks, and vans
- Shipping containers
- Logs
- Dressed lumber
- Metal coils
- Paper rolls
- Concrete pipe
Walker Texas Lawyer Investigates Unsecured Cargo or Cargo Spill Accidents
In some cases, a truck’s cargo loss in an accident is noticeable and can be easily identified as a contributing factor in a crash. However, in some crashes, such as a rollover or jackknife, the trucking company may argue that cargo was loosened and shifted because of the impact.
In many instances, it requires an independent truck accident investigation. An investigation by knowledgeable analysts to determine that a cargo shift caused a truck accident. This work includes obtaining and examining truckers’ cargo inspection records. The carrier’s lading bills and documents refer to loading and securing the truck’s cargo. To explain the crash, you may need the assistance of experts in mechanical design, engineering, and automotive accident reconstruction. Walker Texas Lawyer has immediate access to these experts. They can assist in any such accident investigation.
Walker Texas Lawyer is experienced in Truck Accident Cases. He does the investigative work required to build a compelling case. He also has settled large truck crashes on behalf of injured motorists in Houston. We help truck accident victims obtain compensation. Compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.
