Commercial trucks are built to haul tens of thousands of pounds of cargo. However, truck cargo must be loaded properly so that drivers can safely move it from point A to point B. Even a small shift in weight inside a trailer can throw an 80,000-pound vehicle off balance, causing it to roll over, jackknife, or spill debris across the highway.
Here’s how improper cargo loading can contribute to commercial truck accidents and what you can do if you suffered injuries due to cargo that’s gone out of control.
Why Improperly Loaded or Unsecured Cargo Is So Dangerous
Cargo securement issues contribute to thousands of crashes each year. When freight inside a trailer or flatbed isn’t properly tied down, contained, or balanced, several risks arise:
- Cargo can fall from the vehicle and create road hazards
- Weight shifts can cause the truck to lose control
- Trailers may sway, fishtail, or tip on sharp turns
- Overloaded freight can cause brake failure or tire blowouts
Truck cargo mishaps can also cause injuries to workers, pedestrians, and passersby. When thousands of pounds of weight shift even a few inches, it can push a tractor-trailer into another lane.
Common Causes of Cargo-Related Truck Accidents
Why does truck cargo come loose or shift during transit? Here are some of the most common causes:
- Unsecured freight or improper cargo loading
- Overloaded trailers
- Uneven weight distribution
- Shifting cargo in transit
- Failure to inspect cargo during transport
When a truck is hauling thousands of pounds of cargo, every inch matters. Even a single loose strap or misplaced pallet can impact how a vehicle handles. Drivers who are unprepared for these abnormalities may struggle to keep the truck on the road.
At times, there is nothing they could have done, but figuring out whether that’s the case requires a thorough investigation.
Cargo-Securement Rules Trucking Companies Must Follow
The FMCSA sets strict cargo securement rules designed to protect drivers and the public. These rules cover:
- Minimum tie-down strength
- Proper securement of specific materials
- Weight distribution guidelines
- Inspection requirements
- Prevention of falling, shifting, or leaking cargo
Texas also enforces state-level regulations as an added layer of safety. Companies in the Lone Star State must comply with these laws as well.
How Shifting Loads Cause Rollovers, Jackknifes, and Loss of Control
A tractor-trailer is already top-heavy. When weight shifts suddenly, the trailer’s center of gravity can move in ways the driver cannot correct. This can lead to:
- Rollovers
- Jackknife collisions
- Loss of control
- Falling cargo accidents
When a vehicle weighing tens of thousands of pounds gets out of hand, it can be impossible for a driver to regain control.
Who Could Be Liable for a Truck Cargo Accident?
Anytime a commercial vehicle is involved in an accident, investigators look to the driver first. However, the investigation doesn’t stop there. Carriers or loaders that violate FMCSA rules could also be held liable. Maintenance providers or even the company that manufactures tie-down equipment could share in the liability as well.
Key Evidence Used in Truck Cargo Accident Claims
Stronger evidence leads to a better case. A truck accident lawyer may collect the following information to support your claim:
- The bill of lading
- Weigh station tickets
- Driver inspection records
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Photographs of tie-downs, load bars, or damaged cargo
- FMCSA violation history
- Black box data
Each piece of evidence can help show whether the cargo was loaded properly and who was liable if it wasn’t.
FAQ
What Types of Cargo Are Most Likely to Cause Accidents?
Flatbed freight poses the highest risk because it is out in the open. Lumber, pipes, steel beams, and equipment are exposed to wind and weather. Palletized goods inside trailers can also shift, but there is less of a risk of them causing a crash because they are enclosed.
How Do Investigators Determine Whether Cargo Was Properly Secured?
Investigators will analyze securement equipment and test tie-downs, if necessary. They may also review weigh station records and the bills of lading to see if the vehicle was overloaded. Expert analysis is needed to determine whether the cargo moved before or during the crash.
Can a Truck Driver Be Held Liable Even if They Didn’t Load the Cargo?
Yes. Drivers are required to inspect their loads before starting a trip and at designated intervals. Even when a third party loads the freight, the driver must ensure the cargo is safe for transport. If they fail to identify obvious defects or ignore the warning signs, they may share liability.
What Happens if Cargo Falls Onto the Roadway and Causes a Multi-Vehicle Crash?
Falling cargo accidents are treated as commercial truck crashes. The driver, carrier, or cargo-loading crew could all share liability. Victims may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.
How Long Do Cargo-Related Truck Accident Investigations Take?
These cases can take months to resolve due to the number of parties involved. The timeline depends on several factors, including the severity of the injuries and whether the involved parties are cooperating or not.
Speak With a Truck Crash Lawyer Who Can Help
Ramsey Law Group has a team of experienced attorneys who can assist with your truck cargo accident. Our lawyers will get to the bottom of what happened and lay out your options so you can pursue fair compensation.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a vehicle accident that involved improperly secured cargo? Contact us to book a consultation with a truck crash lawyer.