Even in the best circumstances, an accident with a big truck can have severe and debilitating consequences. Because big delivery trucks are large and can reach high speeds, the results of an accident involving a truck can be particularly serious. What makes an accident with a truck even more dangerous is the cargo they carry. Depending on who owns or operates the truck or who has hired the truck to transport cargo, the details about what they are hauling can vary dramatically. Depending on the type, size, and weight of these vehicles, a fully loaded big truck can weigh almost 100,000 pounds. If a passenger vehicle is involved in an accident with a truck that heavy, the results could be devastating or even fatal. When trucks are transporting cargo, the likelihood and effects of the accident increase if the vehicle is not loaded properly. This article will discuss the circumstances surrounding improperly loaded trucks, the law and regulations established to prevent serious injury from truck accidents, and what to do if you are involved in this kind of accident.
Trusted Personal Injury Attorneys In Macon, Savannah, And The Greater Georgia Area
Because truck accidents are so severe, many legal issues often arise in these cases. There are often many hurdles to clear to achieve the best result, which is recovering the compensation you need for treatment and recovery. The legal proceedings surrounding truck accidents can be very confusing and hard to handle, depending on the nature and result of the accident. When you or someone you know is navigating the legal system after this kind of accident, it is important that you have an experienced and devoted attorney representing you. The attorneys at Dozier Law have extensive experience with personal injury cases resulting from truck accidents. They can help you receive the compensation you need and deserve to recover. If you or someone you know is dealing with the circumstances following a truck accident, Dozier Law is here to help. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call us at (888) 239-2129 or contact us online.
Rules And Regulations For Securing Cargo
To prevent or decrease the effects of a truck accident, Georgia and the federal government have established rules for securing cargo. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, sets out the rules for loading and securing cargo. In addition to those rules and regulations, the FMCSA has created a handbook on securing truck cargo properly. If the procedures are followed, the severity of truck accidents falls substantially. However, despite these regulations, some drivers and operators still do not follow these rules, which increases the chances of injury for the operator and other motorists.
How Does Properly Securing Cargo Prevent Or Reduce The Risk Of A Truck Accident?
The way that cargo is secured, if at all, affects how a truck operates and how it is balanced. Depending on the kind of cargo, if it is not secured correctly, it can cause the truck to overturn, spilling its contents into the roadway and harming the drivers around it. Unsecured cargo may shift, diminishing the truck’s balance, stability, and handling. For example, if a truck has pallets of heavy products in its trailer and those pallets are not secured to the sides or the bottom of the truck, as the truck speeds up, slows down, and turns, the cargo will move around inside of the trailer as cargo moves around, weight shifts and distributes unevenly. Combining the instability of the load, road conditions, and vehicle integrity, the truck’s drivability may be drastically reduced. However, if that cargo is securely fastened, the weight will remain evenly distributed, allowing the truck to operate more consistently, thereby reducing the chances of an accident.
Liability In Improperly Loaded Truck Accidents
As with all personal injury cases, liability is determined by the facts. When driving, both truck operators and motorists have duties and responsibilities they must follow. For example, the trucking company could be found liable if they do not follow FMSCA regulations or negligently hire unqualified drivers or fail to maintain their equipment properly. On the other hand, a driver could be liable if they contribute to or cause the accident. For example, a motorist might be responsible for the accident if they are speeding at the time of the accident or are driving dangerously.
Skilled Georgia Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident, it can be challenging to know where to start. The effects of a truck accident can be significant and involve many different areas of law and legal procedures. When you are involved in this kind of case, it is important to have an experienced and dedicated lawyer representing you and your interests. The lawyers at Dozier Law have extensive experience with personal injury cases across Georgia, including those involving truck accidents. Dozier Law is committed to protecting your interests to help you get the compensation you deserve. For more information or to set up your free initial case consultation, call (888) 239-2129 or contact us online.
