It is natural to think about driver error as a top cause of truck accidents in Florida. However, many other factors contribute to the high rate of crashes in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. One such factor that plays a role in these accidents is improperly loaded cargo.
Those employed in the trucking and freight industries have undergone training in how to load items correctly. When they fail to do so, truck accidents are often an unfortunate result.
Who is at fault for improperly secured cargo?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides clear rules about securing cargo in large trucks. On the road, the trucker is responsible for ensuring that the freight is secure before driving. As such, the driver may be at fault for any truck accidents occurring because of poorly loaded or secured cargo.
The trucking company employing the driver may also hold a share of the blame for a victim’s injuries. Trucking companies must ensure that their employees undergo training in the securement and inspection of all cargo.
Cargo-related safety hazards
It might seem that securing cargo does not play much of a role in truck accidents. However, improperly secured loads can cause the following safety issues, which can injure private motorists.
- Overloading cargo can lead to brake or engine failure
- Lack of securement may cause freight to shift
- Poorly loaded items may result in a truck rollover
- Loose cargo on open bed trucks may fall off the vehicle and strike other automobiles
When facing the typically severe injuries that accompany truck accidents, most victims need financial resources to pay for medical care. Filing an injury claim against the responsible parties is an effective way to acquire the compensation needed to recover.
