What Causes Cargo-Related Truck Accidents?
Over just one four-year period in the United States, more than 200,000 truck accidents were caused by falling cargo and debris on the roads and highways, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). Over 65 percent of these accidents were caused directly by falling cargo, while the remaining crashes were caused by drivers swerving to avoid being struck by the following cargo.
When many people think of truck accidents, those caused by falling cargo are not often the first that come to mind. Clearly, though, these collisions are far more common than many people think. Below, our cargo securement accident lawyer in San Antonio outlines some of the main causes of these crashes.
Overloaded Cargo on Flatbed Trucks
Trucking companies have been known to load as much cargo as possible on flatbed trucks in an effort to cut costs. The more cargo a truck can carry, the fewer trips the driver will have to make, and less money will have to be spent on payroll, maintenance, and gas. Of course, cargo that is over-stacked on a flatbed truck is much more likely to become unstable and fall onto the roadway.
Improperly Secured Hazardous Material
Trucks often transport hazardous material such as gas, oil, and other poisonous or flammable chemicals. When these substances are not properly secured, they can fall off a truck, creating some very dangerous conditions on the road. Chemicals can easily catch fire, which poses a serious threat to anyone on the road, and can result in significant property damage. When toxic chemicals spill onto the road because they were not property secured, it can result in the evacuation of an entire area.
Cargo that is Unevenly Distributed
Cargo must be distributed evenly within a truck or it may shift during transport. When cargo shifts, it can throw off the entire balance of the truck and make it difficult, if not impossible, for a truck driver to control their vehicle. Braking and turning safely is particularly difficult when cargo has shifted inside of a truck. Unevenly distributed cargo is often the cause of jackknife and roll over accidents involving trucks.
Using Defective Equipment to Secure Cargo
There is a lot of equipment that is used to properly secure cargo onto a truck. Tie-downs, straps, and webbing are just a few of these. Trucking companies do not always replace this equipment when it becomes damaged due to wear and tear, and manufacturers do not always meet their legal duty to ensure this equipment is free of defects. When this equipment is defective or flawed, it can easily result in an accident caused by improperly secured cargo.
Our San Antonio Cargo Securement Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Crash
Whether you are a truck driver or other motorist on the road, if you have been injured by cargo that was not properly secured, our cargo securement accident lawyer in San Antonio can help. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our seasoned attorney has seen the devastation caused by improperly secured cargo and is dedicated to helping you make things right. Call us now at 210-LAW-9999 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case and to learn more about how we can help.
Sources:
info.oregon.aaa.com/aaa-study-200000-crashes-caused-by-road-debris/
fmcsa.dot.gov
