Truck drivers must ensure their cargo is secured to prevent it from shifting or falling off the truck during travel. When they fail to do so, deadly accidents can occur. Unsecured truck cargo causes hundreds of wrecks across North Carolina each year. Over one recent five-year period, more than 2,500 accidents statewide resulted from unsecured cargo, leading to 705 injuries and 14 fatalities, according to the NC Department of Transportation.
If you were involved in an accident caused by shifting or falling truck cargo, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. The attorneys at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, can help you demand it.
For three generations and 40-plus years, our attorneys have protected the rights of accident victims across North Carolina. We provide personalized, compassionate service, which allows us to build the most robust cases for our clients. If you’re struggling to get the medical care you need, we can use our connections to help you find the right doctors and specialists to treat your injuries.
Don’t wait another moment to demand the money you need after a North Carolina unsecured cargo truck accident. Reach out to Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, today for a free case review.
What Is an Unsecured Load in North Carolina?
An unsecured load refers to truck cargo that has not been properly tied down or covered. Failing to secure cargo can lead to cargo falling off the truck while the vehicle is on the road, potentially causing accidents.
North Carolina law requires all materials and cargo to be securely tied down. Failing to do so can lead to a traffic citation, which is punishable by up to $2,000 in fines and one point on your driver’s license. If it causes an accident, the truck’s driver and other responsible parties can be held liable for the crash.
How Unsecured Cargo Can Cause a Crash
Unsecured truck cargo can cause accidents on the highway in several different ways, such as:
- Cargo may fall off a truck directly onto another vehicle on the road, potentially crushing the vehicle or otherwise causing the driver of that vehicle to crash.
- Cargo may fall off a truck onto the road and pose a collision hazard. Another vehicle may crash into that cargo if they cannot avoid it in time.
- Cargo on the road can lead to a collision between two other vehicles if a driver needs to stop or swerve to avoid hitting the fallen load, leading to side-impact or rear-end collisions.
- Unsecured cargo in a truck or trailer can also shift during travel and rapidly change the truck’s center of gravity. That can cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle and potentially lead to a side-impact collision with another vehicle or cause the truck to jackknife or tip over.
How Our Experienced Lawyers Can Help You After an Accident
If you were hurt in an unsecured truck cargo accident, let the seasoned attorneys of Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, help you seek a favorable outcome in your case by:
- Recovering evidence to prove liability for the accident, including records from the trucking companies, photos or video of the accident scene, and statements from eyewitnesses and crash reconstruction experts
- Determining who is at fault for the crash to identify all insurance policies and other possible sources of compensation
- Calculating your expenses and losses, including anticipated future costs, to determine how much compensation to pursue in your case
- Filing insurance claims, demand letters, and other necessary paperwork on your behalf
- Vigorously negotiating with insurance adjusters to reach a fair and full settlement
- Going to trial if litigation becomes necessary to demand accountability and justice from the at-fault party
What Do If Your Car Was Hit by a Truck Debris
Here are some steps you should take if your car is hit by debris from a truck:
- Contact local law enforcement and seek medical attention immediately to have a doctor check for injuries you may have suffered in the accident. Take pictures of any visible injuries.
- Take photos of the scene, including the fallen cargo, vehicle damage, and the truck if the driver stops at the scene.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and go to all follow-up appointments.
- Keep any bills, invoices, or other records of expenses you incur in treating your injuries from the accident.
- Gather your income statements or pay stubs if you miss work due to injuries or develop a disability that prevents you from working.
- Talk to an experienced attorney about your legal options and how to pursue compensation for your losses.
How to Prove Liability in an Unsecured Load Truck Accident
Attorneys may use various kinds of evidence to prove liability in an unsecured load truck accident. Some examples of helpful evidence include:
- The load or freight manifest that shows what cargo was on the truck
- The truck driver’s pre-trip inspection report
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage or dashcam footage showing unsecured cargo
- Eyewitness testimony from other drivers on the road who saw unsecured cargo on the truck
- Statements from employees of the trucking or freight company who may have noticed that equipment was not used to secure the truck’s cargo
Average Settlement Amounts for Crashes Related to Cargo
Each case is different, but in general, the compensation you may be entitled to after a crash caused by fallen or shifting truck cargo includes the following:
- Costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation of injuries you suffered in the crash
- Costs of long-term personal and medical support if you suffer a permanent disability due to your injuries
- Loss of income and future earning potential if you cannot work due to injuries or disability
- Pain and suffering
- Impaired quality of life due to disabilities, permanent disfigurement, and scarring
- Costs of vehicle damage repairs or reimbursement of your car’s value if it was destroyed by the accident
Contact Our NC Unsecured Cargo Crash Lawyers for Help
At Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, we understand how challenging the aftermath of a truck accident can be. Contact our NC unsecured cargo crash lawyers today for a free initial consultation. We are ready to answer your questions and discuss your legal options in detail.
