When these truckers are traveling with incorrectly secured cargo, the potential dangers are enormous.
In 2010, the NHTSA recorded that 17% of all traffic fatalities involved some kind of large truck. As a whole, the United States saw an 8.7% increase in the number of traffic fatalities involving a large truck. Due to the enormous size, weight and structure of these commercial trucks, accidents involving these vehicles are typically much more severe in terms of both property damage and related injuries suffered. As more and more commercial vehicles enter the roadways of Connecticut, it is critical for all motorists to be aware of their presence.
Typically, these commercial vehicles are transporting thousands of pounds worth of cargo. Incorrectly secured cargo is one of the leading causes of commercial vehicle collisions. When the cargo is not secured properly, a wide range of possible collisions may occur. While a number of strict regulations exist to prevent this type of crash, incorrectly secured cargo accidents continue to be a serious traffic issue in the United States and, more specifically, in the state of Connecticut. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers is prepared to take on your case today.
To learn more about your legal options, please complete a Free Case Evaluation on this page.
Causes Of Incorrectly Secured Cargo
When it comes to loading cargo onto a commercial vehicle of any kind, rules and regulations are put in place to try to ensure that all cargo is safe and secured. While it may seem simple, truck loading in regard to balancing, stacking, tying down, and general loading of freight is no easy task. For this reason, truckers have a serious responsibility to be sure that freights are properly loaded. Unfortunately, however, time restraints and deadlines put an abundance of pressure on these Connecticut truckers to transport goods and products in a certain time frame. These pressures often result in a rushed truck driver who ends up traveling with incorrectly secured cargo.
In recent years, some of the most common causes of unsecured truck loads include but are not limited to:
- Truck fails to check cargo security at appropriate intervals during travel.
- Tie-downs are not correct.
- Cargo is stacked insecurely.
- There is improper balancing of freight.
- Equipment is loaded so improperly that it ends falling from the back of the truck.
When equipment falls from the back of a large truck, the property damage and injuries associated with the error are often rather enormous. Due to the large structure of these vehicles and the freight in which they carry, a number of related damages may occur. The following items are commonly seen falling from the back of truck beds:
- Lumbar
- Paper rolls
- Large boulders
- Metal coils
- Concrete pipes
- Intermodal containers
When any of the above items fall from the bed of a truck, the associated injuries and property damages are typically very severe. Even worse, when these items fall while the commercial vehicle is traveling on a highway, the level of severity is increased further. If you or a loved one is traveling on the Connecticut roads and highways behind a large commercial truck, it is imperative to keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the truck.
Federal Regulations For Commercial Trucks
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for carrying out and overseeing the rules and regulations regarding commercial vehicles in the United States. Even more specifically, the FMCSA administers specific regulations regarding proper methods of cargo loading. The General Cargo Securement Requirements, which outline details regarding requirements of truckers and truck companies, make it clear that truckers are responsible for handling both the strength and capacity of loads in order to safely navigate the roads.
The FMCSA requirements also maintain that these truckers must always keep their vehicle in “satisfactory” condition, in addition to securing proper loads prior to travel. If you or a loved one has suffered any kind of injuries following an accident with a large truck, you may be entitled to compensation if incorrectly secured cargo was responsible for the crash. Our Connecticut truck collisions lawyers are dedicated to holding these truckers accountable for the damages that they cause to innocent individuals.
Contact A Hartford Truck Accident Attorney Today
Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers takes pride in its role in the state of Connecticut. Our Hartford personal injury attorneys take it upon themselves to seek justice for all Connecticut residents throughout the state. We firmly believe that when the negligence of another motorist causes injury and harm to innocent accident victims, the at-fault parties must be held liable for the negligent actions.
With offices in New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford, Waterbury and New London, Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers is able to service the entire state of Connecticut. When it comes to personal injury law, we understand how overwhelming the time after an accident can be for both you and your family members. With this in mind, we take it upon ourselves to take care of every aspect of the litigation process, leaving you to focus on recovery.
To get started today, simply fill out a Free Case Evaluation form above or call 800-PERKINS.