According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Large Truck Crash Causation Study, improperly loaded cargo is a leading cause of truck accidents in the United States, accounting for approximately 4 percent of all crashes involving large trucks. The fact that cargo can play such a big role in causing an accident isn't all that surprising, considering that the cargo being transported can sometimes weigh more than the truck itself. Fully loaded semi-trucks, big-rigs, 18-wheelers and other large commercial trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds—with up to roughly 50,000 pounds of that weight attributed to cargo.
There Are No Excuses for Improperly Loaded Cargo Accidents
When cargo is loaded incorrectly, it can shift during transport, causing the truck driver to lose control. This often results in serious—or even fatal—rollover or jackknife accidents. Improper loading isn't the only cargo error that can lead to a crash; inappropriately secured cargo can fall from the truck onto another vehicle or in the path of oncoming traffic.
Due to a large truck's size and weight, truck accidents tend to be severe—with drivers and passengers in the involved passenger vehicles bearing the brunt of the property damage and injuries. Common injuries associated with truck accidents include:
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Head and brain injuries
- Lacerations
- Internal injuries
The state of Delaware has adopted the FMCSA's strict federal cargo securement standards. When truck drivers—or trucking companies—violate those standards, they may be held responsible for accidents, injuries, property damages and other losses that occur as a result.
Do You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney?
If you were injured in a truck crash caused by improperly loaded or secured cargo, it's important to understand your legal rights and options. You may be entitled to compensation for injuries, property damages, lost wages, and more.
Contact the Morris James Personal Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.
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