Dallas Car Accident Caused by Improperly Loaded Cargo Lawyer
If a truck’s cargo is not properly and securely loaded, it can cause devastating accidents on Dallas roads. Cargo spilling onto the roads and drivers losing control of their vehicles can result in serious and deadly injuries. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident like this, it’s time to reach out to a Dallas improperly-loaded cargo lawyer.
You don’t have to handle the legal side of things alone. Our Dallas car accident lawyers can help you seek compensation for your accident damages at no risk to you. We work on contingency, so there is no fee unless we win your case.
To get a FREE consultation and go over the details of your case, call us at (469) 998-4069 or contact us online now.
Causes of Improperly-Loaded Cargo in Dallas
Government regulations dictate how cargo on motor carriers should be loaded and secured, but those guidelines are not always followed correctly. If anyone in the process is careless in any way, accidents can happen.
Common causes of accidents related to poorly-loaded cargo include:
- Inadequate tie-downs
- Failure to check or maintain cargo
- Fallen cargo
- Road hazards
No matter what causes the accident, the force of the crash combined with cargo spilling onto the road can be catastrophic. If you or someone you love were injured in this type of situation, don’t wait to get legal help to pursue compensation for what you’ve suffered.
Proper Cargo Securement Rules for Motor Carriers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published new cargo securement rules in 2002 in an effort to decrease the number of accidents resulting from falling or shifting cargo on commercial motor vehicles. These rules apply to all forms of cargo except those without fixed shape or structure, such as gases or liquids.
According to cargo securement rules, all cargo should be secured on or within a vehicle by any of the following (or a combination of the following:
- Dunnage
- Dunnage bags
- Shoring bags
- Tie-downs
Dunnage refers to loose materials that help protect and support a vehicle’s cargo. Dunnage bags can be inflated and added between cargo to fill space.
Placing and Restraining Cargo
Cargo pieces that might roll should be restrained from rolling using items like a cradle, wedges, or chocks that cannot become loose or unfastened while the vehicle is moving.
Also, cargo items that are beside each other and fastened by tie-downs should be directly touching and not able to shift towards each other while the vehicle is moving.
Cargo Securement Weight
The full weight of any cargo securement system should be at least half the weight of the cargo article.
When a cargo item can move forward on the vehicle, it will need a number of tie-downs that depend on the article’s weight and length:
- There should be one tie-down for each article five feet long or shorter and weighing 1,100 lbs or less.
- There should be two tie-downs if an article is five feet long or shorter and weighing over 1,100 pounds or longer than five feet but shorter than 10 feet no matter the weight.
Those who load and secure truck cargo must be careful to follow all federal and state guidelines. If they do not and an accident happens, they can be found liable. You and your lawyer will want to investigate how the cargo was improperly loaded and how that relates to your accident.
How Fault Works After Improperly-Loaded Cargo Leads to an Accident
After an injury accident in Texas, the at-fault party is responsible for the damages. This includes car or truck accidents resulting from improperly-loaded cargo. Unfortunately, these types of accidents can be complicated from a legal standpoint.
If you were injured in an accident caused by poorly-loaded cargo, there might be several parties who are responsible, such as:
- The truck driver
- The loading company
- The shipping company
- The trucking company
For example, the loading company might have failed to properly load or secure the cargo items, but the truck driver might have also neglected to check their cargo at regular intervals. Both the loading company and the trucker (or trucking company they work for) might be liable for the damages.
Only a Dallas improperly-loaded cargo lawyer can know exactly how to determine who was at fault. That’s why it’s so important to reach out to a trusted legal professional as soon as you can. The sooner you can get a lawyer on your side, the easier it will be to pursue financial recovery for your damages.
Unfortunately, insurance companies for large trucking companies are quick to look for ways to reduce their costs. They care most about their bottom line, which means they will try to downplay the severity of your damages and pay less than you deserve. This is another area where your lawyer can help by protecting and fighting for your rights.
Damages You Can Claim After an Accident Caused By Improperly-Loaded Cargo
If you were injured in an accident that was not your fault, you might be entitled to full compensation for damages like:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
Be sure to keep track of all documentation related to your damages. When you consult with a Dallas lawyer, bring all evidence you have to the consultation. Your lawyer can help determine what your total damages might be and what type of settlement you deserve.
Speak with a Dallas Improperly Loaded Cargo Lawyer for Free Today
If you or someone you love were injured because of improperly-loaded cargo in Dallas, don’t wait to get help. Our Dallas car accident lawyers are happy to be your biggest support during this time, and you don’t have to worry about upfront costs to work with us. We work on contingency so there is no fee unless we win your case.
We’ll get started with a FREE, no-obligation consultation to go over the details of your accident and your legal options. This consultation allows us to get to know you (and vise versa), answer your questions, and talk about how we can help. To get matched with the best attorney for your needs and get your FREE consultation, call (469) 998-4069 or reach out to us online today.