The Dangers of Improperly Loaded Cargo

An experienced Houston truck accident lawyer can fight for your rights

When a massive commercial truck hits the road, every part of it needs to be secure, including its cargo. But when cargo is improperly loaded or not secured correctly, it can turn into a serious hazard, putting everyone on the road at risk. Improperly loaded cargo can lead to devastating truck accidents in Texas.

For victims of these accidents, the consequences can be life-changing. A crash caused by improperly loaded cargo can result in severe injuries, expensive medical bills, and long-term recovery challenges. Speaking with an experienced truck accident lawyer can help you overcome those challenges. Understanding what caused the crash – and who’s responsible – can make all the difference in getting the compensation you deserve.

How does cargo become improperly loaded?

Large trucks are designed to carry massive amounts of cargo, but if that cargo isn’t loaded correctly, the results can be disastrous. Trucking companies and cargo loaders must follow strict federal regulations to ensure loads are properly secured, balanced, and within legal weight limits. However, these rules are sometimes ignored or overlooked due to time constraints, negligence, or simple human error. When that happens, cargo can become a major hazard on the road.

Some of the most common ways cargo is improperly loaded include:

Overloading the truck: Each commercial truck has a maximum weight it can safely carry, and exceeding that limit makes the vehicle harder to control, puts extra strain on the brakes, and increases stopping distance. Overloaded trucks are also more likely to cause structural damage to roads and bridges.
Uneven weight distribution: Cargo needs to be evenly distributed across the truck’s axles to maintain stability. If weight is concentrated too much on one side or in one section of the trailer, it can cause the truck to sway or tip over, especially during sharp turns.
Failure to secure the load: Cargo must be tied down, blocked, or braced properly to prevent it from shifting. If it isn’t, even a small movement can throw off the truck’s center of gravity. Unsecured loads can also spill onto the roadway, creating hazards for other drivers.
Ignoring load inspections: Before hitting the road, drivers and loaders are required to check that cargo is properly secured. Routine inspections during the trip are also necessary, as straps and fasteners can loosen over time. Failing to do these checks increases the risk of cargo shifting or falling off the truck.

Even a minor mistake in the loading process can create an unstable or dangerous situation. Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, these errors often lead to fatal accidents.

How improperly loaded cargo causes truck accidents

When cargo isn’t secured or distributed properly, it can cause a truck to move unpredictably, making it difficult for the driver to maintain control. These issues can happen suddenly, even on an otherwise routine trip. A load shift while traveling at high speed or during a sudden stop can turn an 80,000-pound vehicle into a road hazard, putting everyone on the road at risk.

Some of the most dangerous types of accidents caused by improperly loaded cargo include:

Rollovers: When a truck’s weight is uneven, it can cause the vehicle to tip over, especially when turning or swerving. A rollover can block multiple lanes of traffic and crush nearby vehicles.
Jackknife accidents: If cargo shifts unexpectedly, it can cause the trailer to swing out at a sharp angle, forming an L or V shape with the cab. This can lead to multi-vehicle pileups and severe injuries.
Lost load accidents: Cargo that isn’t properly secured can spill onto the road, forcing other drivers to swerve to avoid it. In some cases, large debris can strike vehicles directly, leading to devastating truck accidents.
Brake failure and tire blowouts: Overloaded trucks put excessive pressure on brakes and tires, increasing the chances of mechanical failure. A truck losing its brakes or suffering a blowout at high speeds can have deadly consequences.

When these crashes happen, determining liability is crucial in holding the responsible parties accountable. Several factors come into play when investigating who failed to follow proper loading and safety procedures.

Who is responsible for an improperly loaded cargo accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident caused by improperly loaded cargo can be complicated, as multiple parties may be responsible. These cases often require in-depth investigations to identify where negligence occurred and who should be held accountable. The following parties may be liable:

Truck drivers: Federal law requires truck drivers to inspect their cargo before starting a trip and periodically throughout their route. If a driver fails to perform these inspections or ignores obvious safety issues, they may be held liable for an accident.
Cargo loaders and companies: In many cases, third-party companies handle loading a truck’s cargo. If they fail to follow proper procedures or secure the load correctly, they could be held responsible for any accidents that occur as a result.
Trucking companies: If a trucking company prioritizes speed over safety by pressuring drivers to transport improperly loaded cargo or failing to provide proper training, they can be held accountable. In some cases, companies may even falsify weight records to exceed legal limits, putting everyone at risk.

Since multiple parties may be involved, proving liability in a cargo-related truck accident requires gathering strong evidence. A truck accident lawyer can help investigate the crash by reviewing the truck’s inspection reports, black box data, weigh station records, and surveillance footage to determine who was responsible and ensure you are compensated.

Protecting your rights after a truck accident

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by improperly loaded cargo, you shouldn’t have to deal with the consequences alone. These accidents can leave victims facing serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and ongoing pain and suffering. An experienced Houston truck accident lawyer from Smith & Hassler can help you navigate the legal process, determine who was responsible, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

By investigating the details of the crash, we can help level the playing field against trucking companies and their legal teams. If necessary, we can take your case to court to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Truck accidents caused by improperly loaded cargo are preventable, but when negligence leads to devastating crashes, victims have the right to hold those responsible accountable. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, don’t wait to contact us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

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