Unsecured Truck Cargo Poses a Serious Threat to Motorists

When a truck’s cargo is not well secured, the safety of other motorists is at risk. Falling debris can be disastrous if it lands on an unsuspecting motorist. In addition, loosely secured cargo can shift the truck’s weight in unexpected ways, causing the driver to lose control.

If this happens, it means that someone slept on their job, and you ought to hold them liable for their negligence.

The Law is Very Clear

In regulating the trucking industry, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Authority (FMCSA) has rules that trucking companies, drivers and loading crews need to follow. These regulations detail how cargo should be secured using the proper equipment to reduce the risk of improperly secured loads.

Who is at Fault in an Accident Involving Unsecured Cargo?

All fingers may point to the truck driver if an unsecured load causes an accident, but they may not be the only ones to blame. Other parties may share in the responsibility as well.

For instance, the trucking company may be liable if it violated FMCSA’s cargo regulations by using substandard equipment. Equally, if a loading crew was contracted to load the truck, they could also be liable for the accident caused by the unsecured cargo.

Getting Justice

If you are a victim of an accident caused by unsecured cargo, you need to protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

However, you need to know that trucking accident claims are unlike other car accident claims. There could be several liable parties, and the compensation figure may be pretty significant if your injuries are severe. Therefore, it could help your case if you learn more about dealing with such accidents and what you need to do to strengthen your claim.