Semitrucks carry large and heavy loads, which can be dangerous to people around the rig if they aren’t secured properly. There are standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that must be complied with at all times.
Loads that aren’t secured in the correct manner can cause several problems. The cargo can come loose from the trailer and fall into a traffic lane. This can cause other motorists to try to swerve to get away from the fallen cargo. In some cases, the cargo may shift and make it impossible for the trucker to maintain control of the rig. A swerving semitruck can slam into other vehicles that are near it.
Unfortunately, all of these situations can lead to crashes with other vehicles. The occupants of those vehicles can suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries. They shouldn’t be liable for the financial damages of these crashes, so they may try to recover some of what they had to spend.
Who’s liable for an improperly secured load?
Several entities might share in the liability for an improperly secured load. The company that loaded the rig might be liable because they didn’t handle the job properly. The trucking company and trucker might also share liability. If defective tie-downs or other equipment are part of the issue, their manufacturer may also be liable.
Anyone who’s injured by a load that wasn’t secured properly needs urgent medical attention. They may opt to pursue a claim for compensation to help cover the costs related to the crash. There are time limits for these matters, so be sure to get it taken care of quickly.