Commercial trucks pose a special risk to road safety for commuters. The possibility of falling cargo is a serious concern with this risk. When a semi-truck loses some or all of its load while moving at a high rate of speed, the consequences can be very hazardous for other motorists and road users. It’s especially true for any cars or trucks behind a semi-truck that loses cargo.
Over four years, over two hundred thousand car accidents were brought on by road debris and falling goods, as the American Automobile Association (AAA) reported. Because of poor maintenance and unsafe loads, cargo fell from commercial vehicles in two-thirds of these incidents. Drivers scrambling to avoid roadside debris were responsible for the remaining third.
A commercial truck’s cargo or other contents could come off and result in an accident, damage to property, or personal injuries. When such an incident occurs, it is crucial to identify the at-fault motorist or specific person and the party responsible for the injuries and any damages.
You might be interested in knowing your legal options if a semi-truck’s cargo fell and caused you or a loved one to be involved in a car accident. Is the trucking service responsible for covering your medical expenses and vehicle damage? What if the cargo fall caused your car to collide with another car?
This post will answer some of the most pressing questions regarding accidents and injuries caused by cargo falling off a semi-truck in Nevada to establish who’s responsible for the damages.
What Does the Law Say About Securing Cargo in a Semi-Truck in Nevada?
How loads must be secured for commercial trucks is subject to regulation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). Truckers must ensure that their loads are balanced and that every good is securely fastened.
According to the FMCSA, all truckers must utilize equipment designed specifically for every type of cargo to keep it safe during transport. Rules for securing planks and rocks differ from those for securing metal and wood pipes.
The FMCSA also mandates that trucking firms train their drivers in the right ways to load and secure cargo. A truck accident involving an incorrectly loaded truck may result in trucking companies being held responsible for the damages.
Who Is Responsible For The Damages For Accidents and Injuries Caused From Cargo Falling Off a Semi-Truck?
The legal obligation or liability for cargo expelled from a semi-truck will vary depending on what caused the mishap. The trucking business employed by the workers or cargo loaders would be held vicariously accountable for their errors if inadequate cargo securement contributed to the accident. The shipping business can be held responsible for the accident if it loaded the goods carelessly. If a defective product was the cause of the lost cargo, the manufacturer might have to pay damages instead.
The trucking business is frequently held accountable for cargo-related truck accidents. For inadequately secured cargo, the corporation may be vicariously or directly liable. However, establishing and demonstrating guilt can be challenging. Before a court or jury can award you damages for your healthcare bills, car repairs, and other losses, you will need to demonstrate that someone else was at fault for the accident.
The burden of proof rests with you as the aggrieved person to prove liability through convincing evidence.
You should contact the knowledgeable truck accident lawyers at the Bourassa Law Group as soon as possible if you’ve suffered injuries in a Nevada semi-truck accident. They can help you establish the other party’s responsibility for the damages. Call us at (800)870-8910 for a free consultation!
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