According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, there were over 4,500 truck accidents in the state during 2010. Many of these accidents were caused by cargo that was incorrectly secured to the truck and became loose while the vehicle was traveling. Drivers that operate large trucks have a responsibility to check the cargo before getting on the highway. Federal law requires the trucking company to secure the trucks load before the driver begins traveling. In addition, shippers are supposed to load and tie down the freight correctly.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident that was caused by incorrectly secured cargo, you may be eligible for financial and legal recourse. Contact a knowledgeable truck accident attorney today to begin exploring your legal options.
To learn more about truck accident lawsuits, fill out the Free Case Review form.
The federal government has very specific regulations about the loading, stacking, balancing and tying down of cargo. Sometimes, drivers and trucking companies will incorrectly secure the freight out of haste or carelessness, resulting in a truck accident. Common causes for accidents caused by incorrectly secured freight include:
When cargo becomes loose and falls from the truck while it is in motion, it can result in severe injuries and substantial property damage. Some common items that can become unsecured from trucks include:
Occasionally, cars can become loose while they are being transported on the highway, putting other drivers at risk of being in an accident.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) has a set of laws concerning cargo securement, titled General Cargo Securement Requirements. Section 2.1.2 states “The securement system chosen must be appropriate for the cargo’s size, shape, strength and characteristics.” In other words, the commercial truck, as well as the security measures must have the capacity and strength to adequately carry freight without any problems.
In addition, the government requires that all commercial trucks must be in good condition and the regulations specify what is considered satisfactory for a vehicles condition. Additionally, these regulations stipulate the specific force that a cargo securement must withstand for it to be safe.
Almost three-fourths of all truck crashes in Oklahoma involve more than one vehicle. If you or a family member has sustained an injury in a truck collision at no fault of your own, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, property damage and other losses. Contact an experienced Oklahoma truck accident lawyer to learn about the legal rights available to accident victims.
The Edwards Law Firm is available to assist injured individuals in Tulsa, McAlester and the surrounding communities. Our personal injury attorneys have successfully handled numerous truck accident cases in Oklahoma.
To schedule a free and confidential case evaluation, fill out the contact form on the right side of this page.
