Hyattsville, MD Dropped Cargo Truck Accident Lawyer

Knowledgeable Attorney for Truck Accidents Involving Dropped Cargo in Hyattsville, Maryland

Commercial trucks often transport thousands of pounds of cargo at a time. When cargo has been properly loaded and secured, trucks can usually travel safely from their origin to their destination. However, when cargo is not tied down correctly, is distributed unevenly, or is not secured at all, the consequences can be catastrophic. Loose or shifting cargo can increase the risk of truck accidents, and it can also endanger everyone on the road if items fall off the truck while in motion.

At Kisner Law, we advocate for victims who have been injured in truck crashes that should have been avoidable. Attorney Jason Kisner can conduct investigations to determine how and why cargo-related accidents occurred. He will then take aggressive action to ensure that all responsible parties will be held accountable for the injuries suffered by accident victims.

The Dangers of Unsecured Cargo

Federal regulations require commercial trucks to be loaded safely, and cargo must be properly secured to prevent it from shifting or falling. Even with these requirements, accidents involving loose or unsecured cargo continue to take place. When items are not properly tied down, or when cargo is distributed unevenly, this can affect the truck's center of gravity, braking ability, and maneuverability. The risks of unsecured or improperly loaded cargo include:

• Shifting Cargo: When cargo moves during transit, it can throw off the vehicle's balance. When a truck driver is turning or braking, an unbalanced load may lead to a rollover accident or another type of collision caused by a loss of control.
• Falling Cargo: Items that are not properly tied down may fall off a trailer, creating hazards for other vehicles.
• Imbalanced Loads: Unevenly distributed weight can make it harder to steer or stop a truck safely, especially if a truck driver is forced to engage in sudden maneuvers.
• Overloaded Trailers: Weight limits are in place to ensure that trucks can operate safely. Exceeding these limits can put strain on the truck's suspension and braking systems, increasing the risk of mechanical failures and making a truck driver more likely to lose control and cause an accident.

What Happens When Cargo Falls From a Moving Truck

When unsecured cargo falls from a truck, vehicles following behind may have little to no time to react, especially on highways where vehicles are traveling at high speeds. Swerving to avoid the debris can cause collisions with other vehicles, while a direct impact with a heavy object can lead to severe injuries and damage to a vehicle. Common consequences of falling cargo include:

• Multi-Vehicle Crashes: Obstacles in the roadway can cause chain-reaction collisions involving multiple vehicles.
• Vehicle Rollovers: When drivers are forced to swerve to avoid debris, their vehicles may roll over. SUVs and trucks are more likely to turn over in these situations.
• Ejection Injuries: In high-speed crashes, drivers or passengers may be thrown from vehicles if seatbelts fail or windows break.
• Crushed Vehicles: Heavy equipment, steel beams, or construction materials that fall from a truck can crush smaller passenger vehicles on impact.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Debris that crashes through a windshield or crushes the roof of a vehicle can cause head injuries and brain trauma.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Collisions involving large, heavy cargo can cause violent jolts that may damage a person's spine or result in paralysis.

Determining Liability in Loose Cargo Truck Accidents

Multiple parties may be responsible for accidents caused by unsecured or falling cargo. Attorney Kisner can conduct detailed investigations to determine how these accidents occurred and who should be held accountable. Potentially liable parties may include:

• Truck Drivers: Commercial drivers are responsible for inspecting cargo before and during transport to ensure it remains secure.
• Loading Crews or Third-Party Loaders: If a separate company or team was responsible for loading a truck, they may be liable for failing to follow the proper procedures to secure cargo.
• Trucking Companies: Employers may be held responsible for failing to train drivers on the proper inspection procedures or neglecting to enforce safety protocols.
• Manufacturers of Restraint Equipment: If tie-downs, straps, chains, or other devices used to secure cargo failed due to manufacturing defects, the equipment manufacturer could share in the liability for an accident.

Contact Our Hyattsville, MD Dropped Cargo Truck Accident Attorney

When a truck accident has been caused by loose or unsecured cargo, victims can protect their rights and interests by working with a legal advocate who will help them recover compensation for their losses. Kisner Law has the knowledge, experience, and commitment needed to hold negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, and cargo handlers accountable for accidents and injuries. Contact us by calling 240-459-0097 to schedule a free consultation today.