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Unsecured load truck accidents, a sadly frequent occurrence on our roads, often result in severe, life-altering injuries. When cargo is improperly secured, it can shift or fall during transport, leading to devastating accidents. There are several common injuries associated with unsecured load truck accidents that can be serious so it’s important to understand your legal rights in the aftermath of such an incident.
Dangers of Unsecured Loads
An unsecured load on a truck is not merely a traffic violation; it poses a significant risk to the safety of all road users. Loads that are inadequately secured that shift during transport can alter the vehicle’s balance and potentially cause the driver to lose control. In the worst cases, cargo may even fall from the truck, turning into hazardous debris that can strike other vehicles, pedestrians, or create an obstacle that leads to further accidents.
In 2016, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that road debris had contributed to over 200,000 accidents over the previous four years in the United States. About two-thirds of the debris-related crashes were the result of items falling from a vehicle due to improper maintenance and unsecured loads. These incidents, ranging from minor property damage to fatal crashes, highlight the seriousness of this issue. Furthermore, unsecured load accidents often involve larger trucks, which, due to their size and weight, can lead to more severe injuries and damage when involved in accidents.
Common Injuries From Unsecured Load Truck Accidents
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These injuries often occur when a victim’s head strikes another object or is struck by debris from an unsecured load. TBI can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, potentially resulting in long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These occur when the force of an accident damages the victim’s spinal cord. A spinal cord injury can lead to partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and other serious long-term complications, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life.
- Broken or Fractured Bones: In the aftermath of an unsecured load truck accident, victims often sustain broken or fractured bones due to the impact. These injuries can range from minor fractures, requiring several weeks to heal, to severe breaks that might necessitate surgeries, physical therapy, and prolonged recovery periods.
- Internal Injuries: Unsecured load accidents can result in severe internal injuries, including damage to organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, or liver. These injuries can be particularly dangerous as they are not always immediately apparent following the accident, but they can lead to serious complications, and in some cases, may be life-threatening.
Legal Rights After an Unsecured Load Accident
In the wake of an unsecured load truck accident, victims have legal rights that protect their interests and help them seek compensation for their injuries. These rights stem from personal injury law, which covers incidents where individuals suffer harm due to another’s negligence or wrongful actions. In the context of unsecured load accidents, parties that could be held liable include the truck driver, the trucking company, or a third party responsible for securing the load.
Compensation sought after such accidents typically includes damages for medical expenses, loss of income, pain, suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages. It’s crucial to note that proving liability can be complex in these cases. It requires demonstrating that the defendant had a duty of care, this duty was breached by improperly securing the load, this breach caused the accident, and the accident resulted in the victim’s injuries.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
A personal injury attorney can play a pivotal role in the aftermath of an unsecured load truck accident. They can meticulously investigate the incident, gather evidence, identify liable parties, and build a strong case to prove negligence. Beyond this, an attorney can handle negotiations with insurance companies, ensuring victims aren’t short-changed and receive the full compensation they deserve.
Contact The Lawyers That Listen
Unsecured load truck accidents can lead to severe injuries and significant disruptions to one’s life. Understanding your legal rights is crucial to navigating the aftermath of such an incident. If you or a loved one has been a victim of an unsecured load accident, reaching out for legal assistance can make all the difference. The team at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman PLLC is committed to supporting victims, fighting tirelessly for the compensation they deserve, and helping them regain control of their lives. Call us today for more information.
