Commercial trucks with unsecured cargo can cause disaster for everyone on the road. If the truck is carrying an unsecured load, all it takes is a blow for the cargo to become loose and land on the road, crashing into any vehicle driving behind the truck. Unsecured loads also lead the truck to lose control when taking sharp turns, leading to a collision.
If you suffer injuries from a truck accident, you have the right to seek financial compensation. But getting the money you deserve can be challenging without the help of Palmdale Lancaster truck accident lawyers.
Truck accidents caused by unsecured loads
Unsecured loaded commercial trucks can be hazardous for other vehicles on the road. The load can fall off at any time on the road and can hit other vehicles. It can also shift from the vehicle’s center of gravity, making the driver lose power.
The trucking industry is regulated by FMCSA, which issues horse of service, license requirements, and logbook standards. It also set strict rules for secured cargo transport to keep all motorists safe. Under regulations, commercial cargo trucks should be adequately secured to avoid falling off or shifting. Depending on the cargo type, specific equipment must be used to secure the cargo, which includes chains, bars, straps, and dunnage bags.
Proving liability is the key component of any personal injury case. Therefore, you should determine whose actions contributed to the accident and who is responsible for the consequences. There can be multiple at-fault parties that include:
- Trucking company
- Warehouse employees
- Truck driver
- Cargo owner
- Manufacturer of cargo truck equipment
- Party responsible for loading the cargo
Once you have determined the at-fault parties, you have to establish the responsible parties were negligent. There are four key elements for proving negligence.
- The party had a duty to prevent you from suffering injuries.
- The party breached its duty by failing to follow appropriate steps in preventing the unsecured load from going loose.
- The breach of duty caused accidents and injuries.
- You suffered losses, such as lost wages, medical bills, unable to work, pain, and suffering.
Role of attorney in truck accident cases
Truck accidents are complicated because many different parties share responsibility, nesting insurance policies that furnish layers of coverage, and large companies with legal departments committed to safeguarding their employer’s finances.
Your lawyer will handle the critical parts of your claim by:
- Investigating the accident
- Consulting with experts
- Get you the medical care you need
- Assigning value to your case
- Take your case to trial if needed.