Semi 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.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident involving a semi truck, 18-wheeler, or tractor trailer, you should speak with an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer as soon as possible because you may be entitled to compensation. Please don’t hesitate to contact us on our website to set up your free consultation by email, or you can call our Orlando, Florida personal injury law firm today at (321) 352-7588 to schedule your free consultation by phone. When you schedule a consultation at our law firm, you will get a consultation with a truck accident lawyer, not a customer service representative or intake person.
If you need a South Carolina truck accident lawyer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (843) 638-6590. We have at least one lawyer licensed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. So, if you’ve been injured another state, we may be able to help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We will help you however we can.
For more information on semi truck accidents, you can download our free e-book: 10 BIG Questions You Need Answered After a Truck Accident.
