What Causes Cargo-Related Truck Accidents?
After being involved in a truck accident, it is natural to assume that the truck driver was at fault. This is particularly true if you saw that the trucker had lost control of the vehicle. However, there are times when cargo can cause truck accidents, as well. In the case of these crashes, the truck driver or a third party may be liable, depending on who loaded the truck. Below, our San Antonio overloaded truck accident lawyer explains the most common causes of these crashes.
Overloaded Flatbeds
Truck drivers and trucking companies often try to load as much cargo onto trucks and flatbeds as possible. This means less time on the road, resulting in lower costs for maintenance, gas, and employee wages. When a flatbed is overloaded with cargo, it is much more unstable and much more likely to fall off of the truck. Falling cargo on flatbeds has been known to break windshields and crush other vehicles completely. If the cargo falls onto the road, other vehicles may swerve to avoid it, causing another accident.
Unsecured Hazardous Materials
It is not uncommon for tractor trailers and 18-wheelers to carry hazardous materials such as gas, oil, and other poisonous or flammable materials. If these materials are not secured properly, they may fall off the truck, creating very dangerous road conditions. These chemicals may catch fire and place other motorists nearby in serious danger. These materials can also cause serious property damage and if toxic chemicals are spilled, it could lead to the evacuation of an entire area.
Cargo that is Unevenly Distributed
When cargo is not distributed evenly on a truck, it can make the vehicle much more difficult to control. Uneven cargo tends to shift during transport, causing the truck to veer out of control very quickly. Unevenly distributed cargo often results in truck jackknife accidents and truck rollovers, which are some of the most serious types of crashes involving tractor-trailers.
Defective Equipment Used to Secure Cargo
Trucking companies use many different types of equipment to secure cargo. These include tie-downs, steel straps, webbing, and more. Trucking companies have a legal obligation to regularly inspect and maintain this equipment to ensure that cargo is loaded and secured properly. Unfortunately, trucking companies often do not take these measures in an effort to save money. This can result in cargo becoming loose during transport, which can cause an accident. In these cases, you may be able to hold the trucking company liable.
Our Overloaded Truck Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Can Prove How Your Crash Happened
It is not always easy to determine how a serious truck accident occurred, especially when you are recovering from serious injuries. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio overloaded truck accident lawyer will conduct a full investigation to prove what caused your crash so you obtain a fair settlement. Call us now at 210-LAW-9999 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
