Truck accident occurring because of unsecured cargo | Florida Truck Accident LawyerSemi trucks and 18 wheelers with unsecured or improperly secured cargo can cause serious and even deadly crashes. When cargo is not properly secured, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable and difficult for the driver to control. This can result in accidents involving other vehicles on the road, such as collisions, jackknifing, and spills of dangerous materials.

Unsecured cargo can also obstruct the driver's visibility, making it more difficult to see other vehicles or road hazards. Overloading a semi truck with unsecured cargo can also increase the risk of a crash, as the added weight can put excessive stress on the vehicle, making it more difficult for the driver to control and increasing the risk of a tire blowout or other mechanical failure.

It is important for trucking companies and drivers to follow strict regulations and standards for securing cargo in semi trucks and 18 wheelers. If you have been involved in a crash caused by unsecured cargo, it is important to seek medical attention for any injuries and to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your legal rights and options. Your attorney can help you gather evidence and build a strong case, and they can work with experts to understand the cause of the crash and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

What Are the More Common Ways Unsecured Cargo Causes Semi Truck and 18 Wheeler Crashes?

Unsecured cargo can cause a semi truck or 18 wheeler crash in several ways:

Shifting Cargo

If cargo is not properly secured, it can shift during transit, affecting the balance of the truck and making it more difficult for the driver to control the vehicle. This can result in a loss of control and a potential collision.

Spilled Cargo

If cargo is not properly secured, it can spill onto the road, creating a hazardous situation for other drivers. For example, a load of lumber or other building materials can scatter across the road, causing a collision or blocking the roadway completely.

Overloaded Truck

Overloading a semi truck with unsecured cargo can put excessive stress on the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.

Obstructing Visibility

If unsecured cargo is stacked high, it can obstruct the driver's visibility, making it more difficult to see other vehicles or road hazards.

Jackknife Incidents

If the load on a semi truck is not properly balanced, it can cause the trailer to swing out in a dangerous manner, leading to a jackknife accident.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations and standards in place to ensure that cargo is properly secured in semi trucks and 18 wheelers. However, not all trucking companies and drivers follow these regulations, putting other drivers and passengers at risk.

If you have been involved in a crash caused by unsecured cargo in a semi truck or 18 wheeler, it is important to seek medical attention for any injuries and to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your legal rights and options. Your attorney can help you gather evidence and build a strong case, and they can work with experts to understand the cause of the crash and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Charles Buist
Helping Florida residents injured in car accidents, hurt due to negligent security, wrongful death and more.