Commercial vehicles transport cargo through Stonecrest every day. If a driver or company fails to load or secure items properly, it can become a safety hazard to everyone. If improperly-loaded cargo led to your accident, contact a Stonecrest lawyer to know your legal options.
Fallen cargo can cause catastrophic injuries and damage. Poorly-loaded items can also cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, causing a severe accident. No matter how the accident occurs, you have rights if you were injured.
John Foy & Associates can help. We have been helping accident victims file injury claims for over 20 years. As one of Georgia’s largest injury firms, we know what it takes to win cases. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get help during a FREE consultation.
Types of Poorly-Loaded Cargo
Large trucks carry all sorts of items across city and state lines. If someone is loaded incorrectly, it can lead to a serious accident. Standard truck freight includes:
Large Equipment
Flatbed trucks often carry large equipment or machinery. If something is not secured correctly, it can fall on the roadway. This can harm the truck driver and many other motorists.
Gases and Liquids
Tanker trucks carry gases and liquids. Often, these materials are flammable and can catch fire during an accident. Drivers should be cautious when transporting these types of cargo.
If someone fails to fill a tanker truck enough, it can lead to liquid sloshing. Sloshing might cause the driver to lose control of the truck at any moment.
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials can include:
- Radioactive materials
- Explosives
- Corrosives
- Oxidizers
Drivers and companies must ensure these materials are safely contained during travel. If not, they can cause terrible injuries or vehicle damage.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has a Hazardous Materials (HM) Program to increase safety when transporting unsafe materials.
Vehicles
Some tractor-trailers carry smaller cars. A large truck might transport up to a dozen vehicles at a time. These trucks are difficult to drive and maneuver. Trucks must be careful at all times and ensure vehicles are secured carefully.
Other types of truck cargo can include:
- Lumbar
- Gravel
- Metals
- Furniture
- Construction materials
- Appliances
If improperly-loaded cargo might have caused your accident, you have rights. You might deserve financial compensation from the at-fault party to cover your costs.
What to Do After Cargo Causes an Accident
After an accident in Stonecrest, don’t wait to take action. You will need to document what happened as fully as possible. Here are some steps you take to do that:
- Get medical attention as soon as possible. Call for an ambulance if you need emergency treatment.
- Take pictures of your injuries and the accident scene. That includes the positions of all vehicles, skid marks, and more.
- Talk to any witnesses at the scene. Ask for their names and contact information.
- Exchange names, license numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s).
- Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company without a lawyer.
If another driver was at fault, they are likely responsible for your damages. Most of the time, the driver’s insurance should cover the accident. However, insurance companies will look for ways to pay as little as possible.
After your accident, the insurance company might contact you. Even if the person seems nice, it’s best to avoid talking to them. Wait until you have a lawyer on your side first.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help you handle the details. We’ll investigate your accident and deal with the insurance companies. If you get a settlement offer, we’ll know how to negotiate for the compensation you deserve. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get a FREE consultation today.
Proving Liability for Improperly-Loaded Cargo
If poorly-loaded cargo caused your accident, someone is probably liable. Georgia is a fault state, meaning the at-fault party in an accident is responsible for the costs.
The at-fault party could be:
- The driver of the vehicle carrying the cargo
- A commercial trucking company
- A loading or shipping company
- A mechanic or maintenance company
Most of the time, the truck driver or their employer is responsible for poorly-loaded cargo. The driver should check their vehicle for any issues before driving off. Cargo-related accidents often happen when the driver cuts corners or is careless in some way.
Faulty maintenance, truck defects, or shipping issues can also lead to accidents. You’ll need to investigate the details to determine who is at fault.
An experienced lawyer can help gather evidence of fault after the crash. The process often takes time, so don’t wait to get started. Contact a Stonecrest improperly-loaded cargo lawyer for help today.
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Causes of Improperly-Loaded Cargo Accidents
Every car or truck accident is different. However, there are often similarities with poorly-loaded cargo accidents. A crash might happen because of:
- Worn out or improper tie-downs
- Overloaded or overweight cargo
- Imbalanced truck items
- Loosely-latched truck doors
- Failure to check a shipment throughout the trip
- Cargo that shifts during transport
- Spilling truck cargo
Many things might go wrong as a truck carries cargo. Drivers and trucking companies should be careful to prevent issues that cause accidents. If not, they are likely liable for the damages.
You should not have to pay for someone else’s negligence. If you were injured because of fallen or poorly-loaded cargo, you have legal rights. You might deserve financial compensation for your costs.
You can usually file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party. Your lawyer will know where to start and how to fight for what you deserve.
Talk to a Stonecrest Improperly-Loaded Cargo Accident Lawyer
Cargo-related car accidents are complicated. They often result in severe injuries and other damages. If you or a loved one were injured, contact John Foy & Associates.
Our firm has been helping injury victims for over 20 years. We know what it takes to win cases, and we’re not afraid to stand up for your rights. Reach out today to get the power of the “Strong Arm.”
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. You don’t have to pay a thing unless we win you compensation.
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