A truck that’s been improperly loaded can create unique hazards that affect the vehicle’s operation and maneuverability and increase the risk of serious accidents. Improperly loaded cargo accidents in Mooresville, NC, have the potential to cause severe harm to the occupants of other vehicles, as well as to the driver of the truck itself.
How Improperly Loaded Cargo Causes Serious Truck Accidents
Improper cargo loading can make a truck harder to control and increase the risk of a crash in several ways, including the following:
- Shifting cargo can throw off the truck’s balance when the driver turns, brakes, or changes lanes.
- Uneven weight distribution can make the trailer sway or pull the truck into another lane.
- Overloaded trailers can put extra strain on tires, brakes, and suspension systems, increasing the risk of a blowout or mechanical failure.
- Loose or unsecured freight can fall from the trailer, creating hazards for nearby drivers.
- Unbalanced cargo can contribute to jackknife crashes, rollovers, and sudden loss of control.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Improperly Loaded Cargo Crash?
Liability for an improperly loaded truck accident depends on who handled the freight, who inspected the truck, and whether all the parties involved followed the appropriate safety rules before the trip began. A trucking company, truck driver, cargo loading company, shipper, or maintenance provider may be responsible if their actions contributed to the crash. In some cases, more than one party may share fault for allowing an unsafe truck onto the road.
Why Trucking Companies and Cargo Loaders May Share Responsibility
Trucking companies and cargo loaders may share responsibility for an unsecured cargo truck accident when both parties contributed to making the vehicle and its load unsafe. A loading company may be at fault for failing to secure or balance freight properly, while a trucking company may also be responsible if it failed to train workers, inspect the load, enforce safety procedures, or address known problems before the trip. These failures can combine to create serious risks for other road users.
What to Do After an Improperly Loaded Cargo Accident in Mooresville
The steps you take after a truck accident caused by shifting cargo or a lack of securement can affect the evidence that’s available to support your claim. You should do the following:
- Call 911 and get medical care as soon as possible, even if the extent of your injuries isn’t immediately clear.
- Report what you saw to the responding officer, including any cargo that fell, shifted, or appeared unsecured.
- Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, cargo, skid marks, and visible injuries if you can do so safely.
- Get contact information from those involved in the crash, as well as any witnesses.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before speaking with a lawyer.
Speak with a Mooresville Truck Accident Lawyer About Your Rights
Were you injured in an accident involving an improperly loaded commercial truck? The team at Schwaba Law Firm can help you understand your legal rights and options and pursue a claim against the responsible parties. Contact us today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Mooresville truck accident lawyer.
