Fairfax, VA Unsecured Cargo Truck Accident Attorney

Skilled Truck Accident Attorneys Handling Unsecured Cargo Claims in Fairfax, Virginia

Commercial trucks carry heavy loads that often weigh tens of thousands of pounds. Whether cargo consists of shipping containers, construction material, retail goods, machinery, or other items, it must be loaded and secured correctly on a truck. When the proper steps are not followed when loading a truck, dangerous truck accidents can occur. Unsecured cargo can shift unexpectedly and cause a driver to lose control. In some cases, items may fall off a truck and land in the road, creating dangerous hazards for everyone nearby.

When a truck crash has occurred, a person who was injured will need to understand what happened and who was responsible. Determining whether cargo was not secured correctly and whether this was the cause of a truck accident may not always be easy, but the lawyer at Shevlin Smith, P.C. knows how to investigate these situations, identify the liable parties, and help a victim obtain financial compensation. He provides clients with close personal attention during their cases, making sure they understand their legal options and fighting for their rights at all times.

Why Cargo May Not Be Secured Correctly on a Truck

Improper loading techniques are often to blame for problems related to a truck's cargo. Loaders may not use the right types of devices to tie cargo down and secure it in place. The chains or straps used may not be rated for the weight of the load, or loaders may not distribute weight evenly across a truck's trailer. These mistakes can increase the likelihood that cargo will shift while a truck is in motion.

Time pressure at loading docks may be a factor in improper loading and securing of cargo. When workers are rushed to load a truck quickly, they may skip steps or fail to double-check that straps, chains, or other restraints are properly tightened. Worn or damaged equipment may also be an issue. Straps, chains, or other devices that break down may fail while a truck is transporting cargo.

Drivers are required to inspect cargo before they depart with a load and at regular times during a trip. A driver who skips these inspections or who does not notice that cargo has shifted or that items are not secured correctly may be responsible for continuing to drive with an unsafe load.

Overloading a trailer can also be a serious safety issue. Cargo restraint systems are designed based on specific weight limits. A load that exceeds those limits may break loose, and it can affect a truck driver's control of their vehicle.

How Shifting Cargo Can Cause a Truck Driver to Lose Control

When a truck is in motion, unsecured cargo may not remain in place. Accelerating, braking, turning, and other motions can cause items to shift inside a trailer or on top of a flatbed truck. When cargo moves suddenly, it can affect a truck's balance. Heavy cargo that slides to one side of a trailer may cause a rollover accident. A sudden shift in weight toward the front of a trailer can increase strain on brakes, affecting a truck driver's ability to slow down when necessary.

In some cases, a cargo shift can cause a driver to lose control entirely. The sudden change in the weight and balance of a truck can catch a driver off guard. The driver may lose control when navigating a curve, making a turn at an intersection, traveling on a highway on- or off-ramp, or in other situations. They may not be able to stay within their lane, and they may collide with other vehicles, leading to serious injuries.

How Falling Cargo Can Cause Injuries to Other Drivers

When cargo is not properly secured, it may fall from a truck. Falling cargo can be a serious hazard to other vehicles on the road, and drivers may have no time to react before being struck by large, heavy objects.

Cargo that falls directly onto another vehicle can cause severe injuries. Due to the size and weight of commercial cargo, a falling item can cause catastrophic damage to a passenger vehicle. Falling cargo that lands on the roadway can create an obstacle that drivers may not have enough time to avoid. A driver who swerves to avoid debris in the road may lose control of their vehicle, strike another car, or run off the road entirely.

Loose materials that fall from a truck can scatter across multiple lanes of traffic, creating hazards that may affect several vehicles at once. In some cases, falling cargo can cause a chain-reaction crash or a multi-vehicle pileup.

Parties Who May Be Responsible for Unsecured Cargo

A truck driver may be liable for a truck accident if they failed to inspect the load on their truck or did not take the right steps to address a problem. A trucking company may be liable if it failed to train drivers or other personnel on the proper cargo loading and inspection procedures or if its policies and scheduling practices led to rushed or improper loading. A loading company or shipper may also be liable if its employees failed to secure cargo correctly. In some cases, a manufacturer of defective equipment may be responsible for failing to ensure that cargo could be held in place correctly.

Our attorney can investigate a truck accident to identify negligence and make sure the responsible parties will be held accountable. He can review loading records, maintenance logs, and other evidence to determine the reasons for unsecured cargo, and he will fight to recover compensation from the liable parties.

Contact Our Fairfax, VA Unsecured Cargo Truck Accident Lawyer

At Shevlin Smith, P.C., we can provide experienced legal help for truck accident victims. Our lawyer can uncover the issues that led to a truck crash and provide guidance on the steps that can be taken to secure full and fair compensation for the damages that have occurred. Contact our Fairfax cargo-related truck accident attorney at 703-591-0067 to arrange a free consultation.