Large trucks carry heavy cargo for hundreds of miles per day. If one thing goes wrong in Sandy Springs, it can lead to a severe accident. Sometimes, an accident happens because of improperly loaded truck cargo.
Poorly loaded truck accidents can lead to severe or deadly injuries. If you or a loved one were injured, call a Sandy Springs car accident lawyer. You might be entitled to full financial recovery for what you’ve lost from the accident.
John Foy & Associates can help after your accident. We’ll investigate the accident, determine your damages, and fight for what you deserve. To discuss the details during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How Cargo Loading Issues Lead to Accidents
Truck drivers must ensure their cargo is loaded and secured before driving. When cargo is poorly loaded, it can shift suddenly in transit. Trucks already have a high center of gravity, and unsafe cargo can make that worse.
Improperly loaded cargo can lead to accidents like:
- Rollover crashes where a truck rolls onto its side or top
- Jackknife accidents where the truck’s front and back slide towards each other
- Fallen cargo accidents where large or dangerous materials spill onto the road
Other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians can suffer injuries in any of these accidents. Cargo can fall from the vehicle and harm others. Tragically, fallen cargo often causes multiple-car accidents or pile-ups.
Hazardous Cargo Spill Injuries
Some truck cargo is incredibly dangerous to everyone around. Hazardous cargo can lead to fires, explosions, or radioactive exposure. If toxic materials fall out of a truck, they can have long-lasting consequences.
When an improperly loaded cargo accident happens, someone has been careless. If you suffered injuries, the negligent party is probably responsible for your injuries and other damages.
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Knowing Who’s Responsible for an Improperly Loaded Cargo Accident
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has cargo securement rules that trucking companies must follow. These rules help prevent cargo from shifting or falling as trucks travel for many miles.
Both truck drivers and their employers must carefully follow complicated rules. Violations can mean expensive fines and other penalties, but they can also lead to life-threatening accidents.
Cargo that the FMCSA regulates includes:
- Logs
- Lumbar
- Metal coils
- Paper rolls
- Concrete pipes
- Cargo containers
- Automobiles, truck trucks, and vans
- Vehicle vehicles, machinery, and equipment
- Flattened or crushed vehicles
- Hook-lift containers
- Large boulders
When improperly loaded cargo leads to an accident, the driver or trucking company might be at fault. Sometimes, a vehicle manufacturer or shipping company is also responsible.
If you were injured, you’ll need to know who was at fault. The responsible party in the accident is liable for the costs of your accident.
What to Do After a Cargo-Related Accident
Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries or deaths. When the crash involves improperly loaded cargo, it can be even worse. If you or a loved one suffered injuries, it’s important to know your rights. Thankfully, there are ways to document the accident from the beginning.
Several parties could be partly at fault for the accident. To prove who is liable, you’ll need to gather proof. Here are some ways you can do that:
- Report the accident to the police immediately.
- Get a copy of the accident report.
- Take pictures of your injuries and the accident scene.
- Talk to eyewitnesses. Ask them for their names and contact information.
- Keep track of all of your accident damages.
- Contact a car accident lawyer in Sandy Springs.
Trucking companies often have huge insurance policies for accidents. However, that doesn’t mean it will be easy to get a fair settlement. The insurance companies will look for ways to pay less than you deserve or deny your claim altogether.
You can protect your rights by talking to an experienced lawyer. If the insurance company challenges your claim, your lawyer will fight back. They’ll work to negotiate for fair compensation. Before accepting any money or signing anything, consult with a car accident lawyer.
How Our Car Accident Team Investigates
When you contact John Foy & Associates, we’ll look into your legal options. Our team can start investigating your accident immediately. The investigation process includes:
- Getting a copy of the police report
- Talking to eyewitnesses and getting statements
- Gathering evidence from the accident scene
- Getting data from the truck’s “black box”
- Reviewing the driver’s logs and cargo records
- Calculating all of your accident damages
These are just a few examples. We’ll cover all corners to identify all potentially at-fault parties. We’ll determine your total losses to know what you deserve.
It’s best to start working on your case as soon as possible. Evidence can become lost or memories can fade quickly with time. The sooner you talk to a lawyer about your case, the more clarity you can gain about your rights.
Common Truck Accident Damages
An improperly loaded accident can affect your life in many ways. Accident victims often have losses like:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Lost earning opportunity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Your damages might be much higher than you realize. For example, truck accidents can leave victims with financial and emotional injuries. You’ll want to speak with a lawyer about how the accident has affected you. They can put a monetary value on your pain and suffering.
Unfortunately, many truck accidents cause deaths. If you lost a loved one, you might have a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death case can seek damages like:
- Medical costs
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral and burial costs
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer in Sandy Springs
Contact John Foy & Associates today to learn more. With over 20 years of experience, we know what it takes to win cases. We only represent accident victims, never insurance companies. Plus, our attorneys do not charge a thing unless we win for you.
To learn more about our process and your rights, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We’ll get you started with a free, no-obligation consultation. Our lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist you.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
