Large trucks in Smyrna can carry thousands of pounds of cargo for enormous distances. If that cargo is improperly loaded, it can lead to terrible accidents and injuries. If you sustained injuries in this way, a Smyrna lawyer can help.
At John Foy & Associates, we have 20-plus years of experience helping car accident victims. If poorly-loaded cargo caused your crash, you have rights. We’ll help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
To schedule a FREE, no-risk consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Why a Smyrna Improperly-Loaded Cargo Accident Is So Dangerous
When someone loads cargo poorly, it can cause sudden shifts in the center of gravity. The cargo-carrying truck might roll over or slide sideways on the road. Sometimes, improperly-loaded cargo can leak from the truck onto the road.
Many types of cargo are hazardous to other drivers. Even if the materials are not dangerous on their own, they can cause roadblocks or fall onto other vehicles. No one is adequately prepared for cargo that suddenly falls into their car’s path.
Types of loaded cargo can include:
- Lumbar products
- Motor vehicles
- Hazardous materials
- Food products
- Paper rolls
- Equipment or machinery
- Concrete pipes
- Shipping containers
If you work with an experienced lawyer, they’ll determine how the poorly-loaded shipment caused your accident. You could be entitled to full financial recovery for what you’ve suffered. A lawyer will help you file an injury claim to seek compensation.
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How Poorly-Loaded Cargo Can Lead to a Car Accident
When someone doesn’t load cargo correctly, it can cause an accident at any time. Here are some of the most common cargo-related crashes that can happen.
Rollover Accidents
Large trucks have a higher center of gravity than other types of vehicles. That means they are more prone to rollover accidents. If cargo shifts suddenly inside a truck, the vehicle can tip over.
A truck rollover accident can spill cargo contents onto the roadway. It can also cause the truck to fall onto other vehicles. This type of accident is often deadly.
Material Spills
If truck materials are not appropriately secured, they can fall off. The shipment might hit another driver’s vehicle as it falls. Other drivers might have to swerve to avoid the spilling contents. A multiple-car accident can quickly happen.
It’s even worse if the cargo is hazardous. Dangerous materials can catch fire, explode, or cause severe burns. Victims can suffer injuries that leave them disabled or disfigured forever.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents are common in truck-related crashes. If a truck driver loses control of their vehicle, it can fold into an angle.
Other motorists can become trapped between the truck’s front and back areas. If hazardous cargo spills out too, other drivers might have no way to avoid getting injured.
How Fault Works in a Cargo-Related Accident
Before a truck transports a load, several parties should check the cargo. Those loading the shipment should ensure it’s safe to travel for long distances. The truck driver must also regularly inspect the load to make sure it’s secure.
If truck cargo causes a car accident, several parties could be at fault. According to Part 392.9 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the driver and motor carrier must ensure all cargo is loaded and secured correctly. If someone fails in that duty, they could be at fault.
The truck driver, trucking company, or cargo company could be at fault for your accident. A car accident lawyer can determine who is responsible for your injuries. Sometimes, more than one party is partially responsible.
Fault and Liability
If someone is at fault for your accident injuries, they are liable for the costs. You can bring a personal injury claim for compensation. An experienced lawyer can help you build and file the most substantial claim possible.
What to Do After Your Car Accident in Smyrna
Cargo-carrying trucks are enormous in size and weight. When a crash occurs, the damage is often catastrophic. If you have severe injuries, be sure to get medical attention immediately.
If you are well enough at the scene, there are ways you can help your case. If you are not fit for gathering information yourself, contact a Smyrna car accident lawyer today. Your lawyer can gather strong evidence from the accident to protect your rights.
Here are some actions to take after a car accident caused by improperly-loaded cargo:
- Call 911 to report the accident to the police.
- Obtain a copy of the police accident report.
- Ask eyewitnesses for their names and contact information.
- Take pictures of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the entire accident scene.
- Ask the truck driver for their contact and insurance information.
After you contact a lawyer, they will begin gathering evidence like:
- The truck driver’s activity logs
- Information about the truck’s condition
- Cargo records from the cargo company
- “Black box” data from the truck
- Work or maintenance records from the trucking company
Also, be careful what you say to the insurance company. To seek compensation, you’ll need to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Unfortunately, insurance companies are skilled at paying less than a victim deserves.
The insurer will look for ways to reduce the worth of your claim. They might contact you to look for things they can use against you. It’s best not to talk to the insurance company without speaking to a lawyer first.
An experienced lawyer can communicate and negotiate with the insurer for you. They’ll know how to fight for the fullest settlement possible to cover your damages.
Talk to a Smyrna Car Accident Caused By Improperly-Loaded Cargo Lawyer for Free Today
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a cargo-related accident, we can help. Our lawyers at John Foy & Associates have over 20 years of experience. We know how to handle trucking companies and their insurers.
Contact us today to learn more during a FREE consultation. If you work with us, there is no fee unless we win you compensation. You can get started today at no cost.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your FREE consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form