Incorrectly Secured Cargo Truck Accident Attorneys In New Mexico
Last year, nearly 4,800 people were killed in accidents involving large trucks throughout the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, that reflects a 9% increase from the previous year.
Sadly, 14.7% of all fatal truck accidents in the U.S. occur in New Mexico.
When tens of thousands of pounds of cargo are improperly loaded onto semi-trucks, serious accidents with severe injuries and even deadly consequences can occur. When they do, 72% of the people who are killed in these large-truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles.
At the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane, P.A., our Las Cruces truck accident attorneys know that when families are not losing their loved ones in 18-wheeler collisions, those who are injured are facing significant obstacles in getting the financial recovery they deserve for medical care, lost wages, and additional expenses to get their lives back. We can help.
Federal U.S. Commercial Truck Cargo Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the proper cargo requirements for commercial trucks.
The General Cargo Securement Requirements outline the details for loading and unloading procedures, sizes and weights, and shapes and characteristics for commercial truck transport.
They directly state that commercial trucks must be able to handle the capacity and strength of the cargo they are transporting to safely navigate the roads.
When truck drivers fail to adhere to all FMSCA regulations, the combination of the weight of the cargo, the truck’s size, and the driver’s negligence can cause serious accidents with injuries.
This negligence may entitle injured parties to pursue compensation for their losses. Our truck accident lawyers are dedicated to helping all New Mexico injury clients to receive the maximum compensation possible.
What Are The Common Causes of Incorrectly Secured Cargo?
Cargo regulations outlined by the U.S. Department of Transportation include the accurate way to load, stack, balance, and tie down all cargo that is loaded onto semi-trucks.
When truck drivers, trucking companies, or third-party cargo loaders fail to correctly secure their cargo, everyone on the roadway is placed in danger.
Some of the most common causes of incorrectly secured cargo collisions can include:
- Improper tie-downs
- Poorly balanced cargo
- Trucker negligence in checking the security of cargo before and during transport
- Trucker negligence caused by rushing to meet deadlines specified by their employers
- Unstable stacking of cargo
Several dangerous conditions arise when cargo is improperly loaded onto a large truck.
When the cargo is inside a truck’s trailer, the imbalanced contents can shift to one side and cause the truck to overturn. These circumstances can also keep the truck from stopping properly, which can cause serious collisions and catastrophic injuries.
When the cargo is improperly loaded on top of a flat-bed semi-truck, which is common for lumber, concrete, metal, and other raw materials and large machinery, the outcome can be disastrous.
Call Our Incorrectly Secured Cargo Truck Accident Lawyers In Las Cruces, New Mexico
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident caused by improperly loaded cargo, our New Mexico truck accident attorneys at the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane, P.A. want to help you pursue a personal injury claim against the responsible party today by 575-222-0472 to schedule a free consultation.
