An accident involving a large truck, such as a tractor-trailer or semi truck, can be devastating for all drivers or any passengers involved. While some truck accidents are caused by driver error or defective equipment, improper cargo loading can be at fault.
When a truck accident is caused by improper cargo loading, someone needs to be held liable. A legal professional is a valuable asset in recovering compensation following a truck accident.
When cargo isn’t loaded according to regulations, the risk of an accident increases. Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can increase the number of risks. Loading too much cargo can add excessive weight to a truck, which may put it at risk for a tire blowout or tipping over in a turn.
But the greatest risk of improperly loaded cargo is that it may shift during transport. A cargo shift can be extremely dangerous for an already large and heavy truck, and may lead to multiple types of truck accidents.
If any of the above occurs, other drivers are a high risk of being involved in the accident.
If an accident caused by improperly loaded cargo occurs, injuries can be severe. If an improperly loaded trucks hits another vehicle, experiences a rollover, or drops cargo from the truck, other drivers risk sustaining injuries such as these.
Sadly, accidents involving large trucks often cause injuries that result in permanent disability or long-term impairment and complication. Spinal cord injuries, for one, can result in permanent paralysis.
If you’ve been in a truck accident, seeking compensation for your injuries can be complicated. If the accident was caused by improperly loaded or overloaded cargo, a variety of people or entities could be held responsible for your injuries.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has very explicit cargo securement and loading rules. if these rules were violated, then one of the above responsible parties will most likely be held liable.
If any of the above parties are found liable, then you can recover damages for the harm that you’ve suffered. Damages may be payable for your medical expenses and lost wages, as well as personal emotional distress or pain and suffering.
If you want to pursue a personal injury suit for damages, you have two years from the date of injury to do so, according to Chapter 55 – Title 42 of Pennsylvania Code. An attorney can help you get started.
Because of the statute of limitations, which limits the time you have to recover compensation, it’s important that you contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. If you have been injured in a truck accident, or if you have lost a loved one in a truck accident caused by improperly loaded cargo, the attorneys at Cordisco & Saile LLC, can help.
Our attorneys understand how troubling being in an accident can be, and how traumatic it is to be injured or lose a loved one. To help you recover the sum of money that you’re entitled, our team is ready to help. We can guide you through the process of filing a claim. For help today, call us now at 215-642-2335.