Trucks play a vital role in transporting cargo from one place to another, keeping the economy moving. However, when loaders fail to follow best practices for securing cargo, they can put the lives of truck drivers and other motorists at risk. Unsecured or improperly secured loads can shift during transport, causing the truck to lose balance or debris to fall onto the road, leading to devastating collisions and injuries. If a collision occurs, a qualified truck accident attorney in Atlanta may be able to provide assistance.
How Can Unsecured Vehicle Loads Cause Accidents?
Unsecured vehicle loads can cause accidents in several ways. When cargo is not properly fastened, it can shift during transport, causing the truck to become unbalanced and increasing the risk of rollover accidents. Loose cargo can also fall from the truck onto the road, creating hazardous obstacles for other vehicles. In some cases, falling debris can directly strike other vehicles on the road.
Additionally, unsecured loads can cause trucks to exceed weight limits or distribute weight unevenly, making the vehicle more difficult to control and increasing stopping distances. This can be particularly dangerous when trucks are navigating tight turns, steep hills, or congested traffic.
Common Injuries Caused by Unsecured Vehicle Loads
Accidents caused by unsecured vehicle loads can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can have long-lasting or permanent consequences for victims. Some common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These injuries occur when a victim’s head strikes another object or is struck by debris from an unsecured load. TBI can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.
- Spinal cord injuries: These occur when the force of an accident damages the victim’s spinal cord. A spinal cord injury can lead to partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and other serious long-term complications.
- Broken bones: Victims often sustain broken or fractured bones due to the impact. These injuries can range from minor fractures that heal within a few weeks to severe breaks that require surgeries, physical therapy, and prolonged recovery.
- Internal injuries: Unsecured load accidents can damage organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, or liver. These injuries can be particularly dangerous as they do not always show obvious symptoms, but they can lead to serious, life-threatening complications.
Who Pays for Accidents Caused by Unsecured Vehicle Loads?
Georgia is a fault-based accident state, which means that the person or entity that causes a collision must pay for any damages that the victims experience. When an accident is caused by an unsecured vehicle load, several parties may be held liable for the resulting losses. The truck driver, the trucking company, and the party responsible for loading the cargo may all bear some responsibility, depending on the circumstances of the case.
By filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party, victims can secure the compensation they need to cover their losses and move forward with their lives. The settlement can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related costs.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney at Monge & Associates Today
Unsecured vehicle loads can cause devastating accidents on Atlanta’s roads. If you’ve been injured in a collision caused by falling debris or loose cargo, Monge & Associates can protect your best interests. Every step of the way, our lawyers will fight for your right to justice and fair compensation. Contact us today at (888) 477-0597 for a free case evaluation from an Atlanta truck accident attorney.