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Injured in cargo-related truck accident? Secure compensation

On Behalf of | May 12, 2017 | Blog

Numerous long-haul commercial drivers use Tennessee roadways as they make their way across the country. This may be a good thing, economically speaking, but it also presents quite a few problems for residents. Driving around tractor-trailers is a dangerous affair. If you are involved in a truck accident, it can take quite a toll on you and your family.

Truck accidents occur for a wide variety of reasons. One that few people tend to consider, however, has to do with how one secures cargo inside a truck or on a trailer bed.

Why does it matter how one secures cargo?

Unsecured goods before transport may shift during shipping. Items moving around can cause balance issues or even result in cargo falling from a tractor-trailer. Both of these issues can cause a semitrailer to crash or cause other vehicles to collide with debris left in the road.

Federal regulations for a reason

The federal government has placed strict regulations on the trucking industry. Why? To keep truck drivers and those with whom they share the road safe.

Securement and weight regulations

Two things that the government requires the trucking industry to take care of are cargo securement and truck weight. Overloading a truck or failing to secure cargo properly can have disastrous results. So, what exactly do federal regulations say about these issues? Current rules state:

  • That the use of approved tie-downs is a must
  • That ties must attach to only approved anchor points
  • That the number of ties required will depend on cargo weight
  • That the weight of loaded cargo is not to exceed a truck’s limit

If one does not follow any of these regulations, the truck driver and/or his or her employer could face some serious legal consequences.

Can I seek damages if I’ve suffered injuries in a truck accident?

Possibly. It all really depends on the details of the incident. In order to seek compensation, it is necessary to prove that negligence on the part of the truck driver and/or his or her employer caused the crash. Getting the information to establish this in court can be a challenge.

Get help with your case

The physical, emotional and financial damages that accompany a truck accident are generally quite severe. These can affect you for years to come, if not for the rest of your life. An experienced personal injury attorney can review your case and, if appropriate, help you seek compensation for any current and projected future losses resulting from the crash.