Every day, trucks and other vehicles carry cargo throughout Alpharetta. If the items are improperly loaded, it can lead to a hazardous accident. If you suffered injuries in this type of accident, you have rights. An Alpharetta car accident lawyer can help you seek compensation.
At John Foy & Associates, we use our 20-plus years of experience to determine who was at fault for your damages. We can also help you build a strong insurance claim for financial recovery. Our primary goal is to get you the fullest compensation possible.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation call. We’ll discuss the details of your accident and how we can help. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today for your FREE consultation.
Types of Cargo that Can Cause Accidents in Alpharetta
There are endless amounts of cargo that vehicles transport each day. Some examples include:
- Hazardous materials
- Perishable foods
- Chemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Vehicles
- Home goods
- Lumber
- Gravel
- Fuel
- Electronics
If someone does not properly load and secure the cargo, it can fall off the vehicle. The person loading the cargo must account for weight, shifting during transportation, and other factors.
Most of the time, large trucks carry cargo from one place to another. However, SUVs and other large vehicles can also transport different types of cargo. When cargo falls into the roadway, car drivers are often at the most risk for injury.
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How Improperly Loaded Cargo Can Cause a Car Accident
Poorly-loaded cargo can slip into the road at any time. It might fall off of a truck and onto another vehicle nearby. Or, the load could block the roadway and cause a multiple-car accident.
If cargo materials are dangerous, they can cause burns, fires, or even smash other vehicles. Improperly-loaded cargo accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries.
While cargo often falls from large trucks, car drivers often suffer the worst injuries. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
- 67% of large truck accident deaths in 2018 were occupants of cars or other passenger vehicles.
- 16% of the deaths were truck occupants.
- 15% of the deaths were bicyclists, motorcyclists, or pedestrians.
If you suffered car accident injuries because of improperly-loaded cargo, you have rights. You should not have to pay for someone else’s negligence. Talk to an Alpharetta car accident lawyer who can help you seek compensation today.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping car accident victims for over 20 years. With a reputation as the “Strong Arm,” we are not afraid to fight for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a FREE, no-risk consultation.
To get your FREE consultation today, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
How Fault Works After an Improperly Loaded Cargo Car Accident
The at-fault party in your accident is responsible for your accident costs. As the victim of a personal injury accident, you have the right to seek damages (Georgia Code Section 51-1-6). You will need to prove that:
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care.
- They breached their duty of care.
- Your accident happened because of the at-fault party’s negligence.
- You suffered injuries because of the accident.
Possible At-Fault Parties
When improperly-loaded cargo causes an accident, several people could be at fault:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The loading company
- A maintenance company
- The truck manufacturer
Most of the time, the driver or trucking company is responsible. They must appropriately load and secure all cargo before driving. Drivers must also check cargo at regular intervals during their trip. If they see that the cargo is unbalanced or a hazard, they should make adjustments.
Sometimes, issues with the vehicle or its maintenance can lead to spilled cargo. You and your lawyer will need to investigate the exact cause of what occurred.
What to Do to Protect Yourself After the Accident
After an improperly-loaded cargo accident, you have rights. However, there are things you should do to protect those rights as much as possible.
The at-fault party’s insurance company might try to contact you. It’s best to avoid contact with the insurer until you have a lawyer. Insurance companies are skilled at finding ways to reduce your claim’s value.
Here are some actions you can take to protect your rights after your car accident.
Report the Accident
Call 911 to report your accident to the police. An officer should come to the scene to create an accident report. You’ll want to get a copy of this report for your records.
When the police arrive, tell them what you remember about the accident. The police report is the first official record of the crash. Even if the other driver does not want to report the accident, call the police anyway.
Get Medical Treatment
If you have severe injuries, call for emergency medical treatment. When you call 911, you can tell the dispatcher that you need an ambulance. If you don’t get medical attention at the scene, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible.
If you wait too long to get medical treatment, it will hurt your case. The insurance company won’t take your injuries seriously, which can make it difficult to get compensation. See a doctor right away, even if you feel okay.
Gather Information
Get as much information as you can at the accident scene:
- Take pictures of your injuries and vehicle damage.
- Photograph any fallen cargo.
- Talk to witnesses and get their contact information.
- Note any nearby traffic camera they could have recorded the accident.
- Get the driver’s name, number, and insurance information.
Call an Experienced Lawyer
Call an experienced Alpharetta car accident lawyer as soon as you can. Your lawyer can start working on your case immediately. They give you the best possible chance at full compensation for your damages.
Talk to an Alpharetta Improperly Loaded Cargo Lawyer for Free Today
If you did not cause your accident, you should not have to pay for the costs. At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping car accident victims for over 20 years. Our attorneys will not charge a fee unless we win you compensation.
To get a FREE consultation today, call us at (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form