Every year, thousands of trucks crisscross our highways, transporting essential goods and materials that keep our economy running. However, this massive industry comes with several critical responsibilities, and ensuring cargo is loaded properly is one of the most important. The consequences of failing to secure cargo correctly are severe, often leading to catastrophic road accidents. A truck accident lawyer in Cincinnati can help if you suffer injuries in a preventable collision caused by negligence.
The Dangers of Improperly Loaded Truck Cargo
When cargo is improperly loaded or secured in a semi-truck, it can shift unexpectedly during transit. This shift can severely affect the truck’s balance, potentially causing the driver to lose control. Given their size and weight, trucks are already more challenging to maneuver and have a higher center of gravity than smaller vehicles. A sudden shift in cargo can cause a truck to roll over, resulting in devastating collisions. The cab and trailer may also fall in on each other, leading to a dangerous jackknife accident.
Additionally, the cargo may spill out onto the road, creating obstacles for other vehicles and contributing to collisions. If the truck is carrying hazardous materials, like toxic chemicals or flammable substances, the effects can be even more catastrophic. These materials pose immediate threats to human health and the environment, resulting in extensive property damage and potentially long-lasting ecological impacts.
Tips to Ensure That Cargo Is Safe and Secure Before Transport
The responsibility of ensuring cargo safety rests with the loaders, the trucking companies, and the truck drivers. The U.S. Department of Transportation has set strict load securement regulations that these entities must follow to promote cargo safety. In addition to following these laws and keeping up to date with the latest regulations, it’s important for those in the trucking industry to keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Regularly inspect all securement devices for wear and damage, and replace them as needed.
- Always adhere to the weight and size limits specified for the cargo.
- Ensure that cargo is evenly distributed to maintain vehicle balance.
- Conduct thorough checks of the cargo at every stop to identify and rectify any issues that may occur during transport.
- Use appropriate restraints and locking mechanisms for different types of cargo.
Who Is Liable for an Accident Caused by Improperly Loaded Cargo?
Cargo loading accidents can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries and fatalities as well as financial hardship, emotional distress, and deep trauma. Victims of these collisions have the right to pursue financial compensation through insurance claims or lawsuits, but to initiate legal action, they first need to identify who was at fault.
When an accident occurs due to improperly loaded cargo, determining liability is complex. Various parties could be held responsible, depending on the cause of the accident. These can include the cargo loading company, the trucking company, or even the manufacturer of faulty securement equipment. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, a Cincinnati personal injury attorney can help you investigate the cause of the collision and determine who is responsible for your damages.
Contact a Cincinnati Truck Accident Attorney Today
The aftermath of a truck accident can have a lasting impact on your life, and in these situations, you deserve justice. A Cincinnati truck accident lawyer can help guide you through the legal process and advocate for your rightful compensation. If you have not done so already, contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident and learn more about your legal options.