Any cargo that is loaded into a commercial truck must be properly secured before the driver hits the road. During the trip, the truck driver is responsible for checking on the cargo to ensure that it is still securely in place. Why? If the cargo becomes loose, it could cause serious injuries or even fatalities. As a driver, it’s important to understand the dangers of unsecured cargo so you protect yourself as much as possible.
Unsecured cargo is dangerous for several reasons. The first is that loose cargo can easily fly off of the truck and collide with another vehicle on the road. If it hits a windshield, it may be traveling fast enough to crash through the windshield and injure the driver. If it hits another part of the vehicle, it would still cause damage and distract the driver, which could lead to her losing control of the car.
Even if the cargo does not hit a vehicle as it’s flying off of the truck, it will still land in the road. Other drivers will have to quickly swerve out of the way in order to avoid colliding with the cargo, so this puts everyone in danger. Motorcyclists must be especially careful since hitting a piece of cargo on the road could be enough to throw them off of their bikes.
Unsecured cargo can still be dangerous even if it never leaves the truck. Whoever loads the cargo into the back of the truck must ensure that the weight is evenly distributed. If it’s not, the truck will be incredibly difficult to steer. Cargo that is not secured properly will shift from one side to the other as the truck is in motion, thus throwing off the weight distribution. This means one side of the truck will be heavier than the other, which could lead to the truck turning on its side the next time the driver tries to change lanes or turn.
Who is liable if you are injured by unsecured cargo? It depends. You will need to work with a personal injury attorney who knows how to investigate these cases to determine who was responsible for loading the cargo in the truck. The truck driver may also be to blame if he failed to check the cargo to make sure it was secure.
Have you been injured in a truck accident? If so, get in touch with the personal injury attorneys at Reisch Law Firm today. Our team will immediately launch an investigation to determine if unsecured cargo played a role in the accident. Schedule a free consultation by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
