Vehicles that carry cargo in Dunwoody, such as large trucks, can cause catastrophic accidents. Improperly-loaded cargo can cause the accident or make injuries much worse. If you or a loved one were injured in this type of crash, a Dunwoody improperly-loaded cargo lawyer can help.
Accidents can leave you with painful injuries, costly medical bills, and much more. But if you were not at fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for the damages. You can seek financial recovery through a personal injury case.
John Foy & Associates can guide you through the process. Our lawyers can investigate what happened and work to recover your costs. Plus, we don’t charge you unless we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Cargo Loading Laws in Georgia
Trucks must follow cargo securement rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The regulations include guidelines like:
- Tiedowns must be secured and unable to become loose or unfastened.
- Cargo must be properly secured on semi-trucks.
- Loads must be unable to move or roll around.
- Trucks must follow specific rules based on the type of cargo, including logs, paper rolls, vehicles, and containers.
If someone doesn’t adequately secure cargo, the results can be terrible. The driver might lose control of the truck. Or, the load could spill onto the road and harm other drivers. Sometimes, rollover accidents happen, causing severe injuries or deaths.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries, you have rights. You can bring a claim for financial recovery. Talk to a lawyer today about how to pursue what you deserve.
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How Improperly-Loaded Cargo Leads to Accidents
Trucking companies should be cautious when loading cargo. Even with the guidelines, accidents can happen. Here are some of the most common ways improperly-loaded cargo can lead to a crash.
Rollover Accidents
Large trucks are more top-heavy than other vehicles. If a truck driver turns or changes lanes quickly, poorly-loaded cargo can cause instability. The truck might tip over or roll.
Jackknife Accidents
Improperly-loaded cargo can cause problems when turning. The truck’s back might swing towards its front, causing severe damage. The truck can take down any cars in its path.
Cargo Spill Accidents
Badly-secured cargo might spill onto the road at any time. Spilled materials can cause multiple-car accidents. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians can suffer instant injuries.
Hazardous materials can cause fires, burns, and worse. Both people and property can suffer harm.
Sideswipe Crashes
An unstable truck can swing into other traffic lanes and cause collisions. These types of accidents are tough to avoid.
What a Lawyer Can Do for You
After the accident, a lawyer will start building your case. They’ll gather information from the collision to show what happened.
The lawyer will also look at cargo securement laws based on the type of truck. If someone violated the rules, your lawyer will uncover it. They’ll also gather evidence of your damages as they build your case.
There are a few elements you must prove in your personal injury case. Your lawyer will know how to address each one.
Showing Duty of Care
All drivers in Dunwoody owe a “duty of care.” Other drivers owe you a certain degree of protection from injury. Anyone who operates a motor vehicle has this duty.
Proving Negligence
When someone fails to exercise reasonable care, it’s known as negligence under Georgia Code § 51-1-2. You must prove the person’s negligence to have a valid case.
Your Dunwoody improperly-loaded cargo lawyer will work to show negligence in your case. For example, say that the trucking company failed to secure the cargo properly. Your lawyer would gather evidence of improper loading methods.
Proving the Accident Cause
So, you must show that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care. Then, you must prove that the party failed to uphold their duty. Lastly, you’ll need to show that the failed duty caused your accident.
Your lawyer will show the link between negligence and your accident. They’ll also show how your injuries result from the crash. In some cases, several parties are partially responsible for the accident.
If you suspect improperly-loaded cargo caused your accident, call John Foy & Associates to discuss the details. We’ll give you a free consultation to go over your best options. Call (404) 400-4000 to get started today.
Common Injuries from Improperly-Loaded Cargo Accidents
Truck accident injuries are often very severe. Large trucks are enormous beside other vehicles. They’re also very dangerous if they have unsecured cargo.
Injuries we see from these types of accidents include:
- Concussions and other brain injuries
- Severe burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Neck injuries
- Smoke inhalation
- Emotional trauma
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
Your lawyer will consider all of your accident injuries, including emotional injuries. That also includes any future and ongoing treatment for your accident injuries. You must know the worth of your damages when you build your claim.
Damages You Can Recover
Truck accidents are incredibly costly for victims. You might have damages like:
- Medical treatment
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Keep all evidence of your costs after the accident. That will help your lawyer prove how much the accident has affected you. They will also work to calculate your mental and emotional losses.
Don’t wait to get started on your case. We know that a legal issue is probably the last thing you want to think about. That’s why our lawyers will handle the legal stuff while you focus on healing.
Speak with a Dunwoody Improperly-Loaded Cargo Lawyer Today
Truck accidents are severe. If you or a loved one were victims, get help as soon as possible. Only a lawyer can handle the complicated nature of these types of crashes. When improperly-loaded cargo is a factor, there’s a lot of investigation to do.
John Foy & Associates will handle everything for you. We have 20-plus years of experience working on truck accident claims. We’re not afraid to fight hard for our clients.
Contact us today for a free consultation. There is no charge at all unless we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
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