Truck Accidents Caused by Shifting Cargo
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that roughly 4% of all commercial truck accidents are caused as a result of shifting cargo. Although shifting cargo is not the most common cause of semi-truck accidents, it is still worth noting that this is the highest “relative risk” when compared to other factors that result in these accidents. Ultimately, although shifting cargo is not the most frequent cause of semi-truck accidents, the probability of an accident happening when the cargo shifts are quite high. If you or a loved one was recently injured in a large truck accident, speak to a well-established personal injury attorney who can represent your rights. The proficient personal injury attorneys at the Knez Law Group, LLP can advocate on your behalf.
The personal injury attorneys at the Knez Law Group, LLP are exceptionally versed in complex truck accident cases. The law firm understands that following an accident involving a semi-truck, the consequences can be devastating for those in the smaller vehicle. For this reason, the law firm works tirelessly to ensure their clients receive the highest compensation available. To obtain a complimentary consultation with the attorneys at the Knez Law Group, LLP, consider completing the online contact form here.
The Causes Behind Shifting Cargo
Generally, the cargo from a semi-truck can shift because it has not been properly loaded. Improperly loaded cargo is very dangerous because it can shift or move when in transit. For instance, when a large semi-truck makes a sudden stop, encounters a sharp turn on the road, or goes over rough terrain, the cargo within the trailer can change in position. When this occurs, the commercial truck’s center of gravity may cause the truck’s operator to lose the ability to drive the truck safely and securely. Once the driver has lost control of the large vehicle, a catastrophic accident will be imminent. Accidents such as jackknife accidents or rollover accidents happen as a result of cargo that was improperly loaded.
Responsibility in Cargo-Related Truck Accidents
When a person is injured in a large commercial truck accident that was caused as a result of shifting cargo, the victim may be eligible for monetary compensation. In cargo-related truck accidents, multiple parties could be held responsible. For instance, the commercial truck company that failed to properly train the truck driver and others who handled the truck’s cargo can be held responsible for the accident caused by the unsecured cargo. After a cargo-related truck accident, other parties that could potentially face liability include, but are not limited to:
- The commercial truck driver,
- The third-party company responsible for loading the truck’s cargo, and/or
- The manufacturing company that was responsible for the defects in the truck’s securing devices.
Obtain the Support of a Proficient Personal Injury Attorney
Large commercial truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons and one of these is unsecured cargo. Whenever an accident happens, those injured may be eligible for compensation. If you have been injured in an accident caused by shifting cargo in a truck’s trailer, obtain the support of an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
The Knez Law Group, LLP has extensive experience in handling commercial truck accident cases, including those caused as a result of shifting cargo. After you have been injured in an accident, the attorneys at the Knez Law Group, LLP will work tirelessly to ensure you obtain the compensation you need and deserve. You can schedule a complimentary consultation by completing the online contact form here.
Matthew J. Knez graduated from the University of Redlands in California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing. He then pursued his law degree at the University of La Verne College of Law in Ontario, California, where he earned various awards, including the CALI Award in Torts, and was on the Dean’s List. During his time in law school, Mr. Knez was a member of the Justice and Immigration Clinic, working with individuals seeking asylum in the United States from countries where they faced persecution or threats of persecution. Additionally, he was an Associate Editor for the Law Review and published an article on California family custody move-away cases. Learn more here.