When Injury is Caused by a Truck Driver Who Failed to Secure a Load

 Posted on February 12, 2018 in Personal Injury

Our economy relies on truck drivers both directly and indirectly. Truck drivers transport whole and raw goods from manufacturers and farmers to distributors and other facets of the market, so it is not surprising that there is an estimated 15.5 million trucks that operate nationwide. It is because of the large number of trucks on the road that there are so many policies in place to regulate the trucking industry. One such policy deals with the way in which truckers secure their cargo.

Truckers often carry wide loads that are secured by nothing more than a few chains and ratchet straps. If you are familiar with these types of loads, you may have wondered once or twice how that can possibly be safe. While many of these wider loads may seem precariously secured, if they are secured in accordance with federal and state regulations, then they are not going anywhere. However, if the trucker does not adhere to regulations, there is no telling what kind of damage that may indirectly cause.

At Clark Law Group, we protect the legal rights of victims of rogue cargo. If you were involved in an18-wheeler trucking accident that was the result of poorly secured cargo, you have legal rights to monetary compensation. Protect your rights, and reach out to our Dallas trucking accident attorneys today.

Regulations are in Place to Prevent Load Shifting, Spills, and Roll-Offs

Truck drivers are required by law to undergo specific training in how to properly secure a load. If the driver works for a company, it is the company's responsibility to provide that training. However, if the driver is a sole proprietor, he or she is responsible for seeking the training on his or her own. That said, both drivers and loaders must be properly trained to prevent the loss of loads, spillage, and shifting (which can result in load loss). During their training, drivers and loaders learn what does and does not constitute secure loading and tie-down techniques. They are also taught which techniques and tools to use for various loads, and how to inspect each load for any load violations.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety's Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Handbook, truck drivers in the state are required to inspect their cargo not just before the trip, but after every 150 miles they drive and after each break they take, as well. Loads are bound to become unstable, especially during adverse weather conditions or when traveling bumpy terrains. If a driver fails to inspect his or her cargo as required, and if that cargo should come loose and cause an accident, the truck driver could be held liable for injuries and damages.

Were You Injured in an Accident Caused by Spilled or Lost Cargo?

If you were involved in an accident that was the result of a poorly secured trucking load, you stand a good chance of winning monetary compensation for your injuries and damages. At Clark Law Group, our 18-Wheeler accident lawyers are familiar with commercial trucking regulations and federal laws. We will evaluate the facts of your case and determine which, if any, regulations the trucker of the rogue load violated and build a solid case to back your claim. To get started on your case today, call our office or schedule your consultation online.