Miami Unsecured Cargo Attorney
There are three key components to a commercial semi-truck: the truck’s cab, the attached trailer, and the cargo loaded inside of that trailer. While truck accidents often focus on actions taken by the driver inside of the cab, many people are injured due to unsecured cargo that falls out of–or off of–a truck, essentially turning it into a dangerous projectile weapon. Additionally, unsecured cargo can also cause the truck driver to lose control of the overall vehicle, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
The Miami unsecured cargo attorneys at Pike & Lustig, LLP, represent truck accident victims seeking compensation for their injuries arising from such incidents. Our team will fully investigate all of the potential causes of your truck accident, including the role played by those persons and companies responsible for the tractor-trailer’s cargo. In many cases, an unsecured cargo accident is the result of failure to follow federal and industry safety regulations designed to prevent items from becoming loose during transport and creating a danger to everyone on the highway.
Why Do Unsecured Cargo Accidents Happen in Miami?
The process of loading–and securing–a semi-truck’s cargo is not the same as throwing a few items into the back of your pickup or SUV. A commercial tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds when carrying a full load. This cargo must be carefully loaded and secured, not only to ensure that nothing gets loose, but also so the entire vehicle is properly balanced as it travels long distances.
To ensure a truck’s cargo is properly secured, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforces a number of regulations in this area, including but not limited to:
- any loose items within the truck’s trailer must be properly secured to prevent movement during transport;
- cargo must be secured using appropriate straps, tie-downs, or other methods that comply with federal safety standards; and
- truck drivers must inspect their cargo, and whether it is secure, within the first 50 miles of beginning a trip and make any necessary adjustments to secure any items that may become loose; the driver must then perform additional checks at certain intervals during their trip.
If unsecured cargo does lead to a truck accident, the victims may be entitled to financial compensation from a number of parties. This includes the truck’s driver and owner, as well as any third-party companies responsible for loading and securing the cargo itself. In some cases, even the businesses that manufacture the cargo itself can be at-fault if their products are unstable or improperly packaged for transport.
Reach Out to Our Miami Unsecured Cargo Attorneys Today
Damages in commercial truck accident cases commonly encompass a victim’s medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering, among other losses. Before pursuing a personal injury claim, however, it is important to first consult with an experienced Miami unsecured cargo attorney who can review your case and advise you on the best way to proceed. Contact Pike & Lustig, LLP, today at (561) 291-8298 to schedule a consultation.
