Manassas Loose Cargo Truck Accident Lawyers

Attorneys for Truck Accidents Involving Shifting or Falling Cargo in Manassas, VA

In some cases, truck accidents may be caused by driver errors, such as speeding, distractions, or driver fatigue. However, the cargo a truck carries can also play a role in causing or worsening a truck accident. Improperly secured loads, overloaded trailers, and other cargo-related issues can affect a truck driver's ability to control their vehicle, leading to an accident. The results can be catastrophic, and victims may need to determine who is responsible.

Commercial trucks traveling on highways and local roads in Manassas carry a wide variety of freight, including construction materials, consumer goods, industrial equipment, chemicals, and more. When loads are not secured correctly, this can lead to risks that extend far beyond the truck itself. Passenger vehicles sharing the road with an improperly loaded commercial truck may have no warning before debris strikes their windshield, a shifting load causes a truck to swerve into their lane, or an overloaded trailer turns over on a curve.

Locklin & Coleman, PLLC represents people who have been injured in cargo-related truck accidents. Our attorneys understand the federal and state standards that govern cargo loading and securement and the evidence needed to establish liability for a crash. We work to ensure that our clients will be fully compensated for injuries suffered in a truck collision.

How Improperly Secured Cargo Can Affect a Truck Driver's Control

When the cargo on a truck is evenly distributed and stays in place, the truck will handle in a predictable way. However, when cargo shifts or becomes unbalanced, it can become difficult or impossible for even a skilled driver to maintain control.

Lateral Load Shifts Affecting Steering

When cargo shifts to one side of a trailer during transit, the weight distribution within the trailer will change. This lateral shift will place a greater weight on one side of the vehicle, which can affect the balance of the truck. A driver may find that the truck pulls strongly in one direction, and they may ned to correct their steering to ensure that they can remain in their lane. In extreme cases, a dramatic shift can cause a rollover.

Forward Load Shifts Affecting Braking

Cargo that is not secured can slide toward the front of the trailer when a driver applies the brakes. This shift will increase the weight pressing against the front wall of the trailer, and it can affect the braking of the vehicle. It could increase a truck's stopping distance or even destabilize the entire vehicle. A truck whose braking performance has been affected by a cargo shift may not be able to stop in time to avoid a rear-end collision.

Rearward Load Shifts Leading to Trailer Instability

Cargo that slides toward the rear of a trailer may shift weight away from the axles and toward the rear of the vehicle. This can reduce traction, making it harder for the truck to accelerate and affecting a driver's ability to maintain control on slippery or uneven road surfaces. It can also change the handling of the trailer or cause the rear of the trailer to begin swinging from side to side, potentially leading to a loss of control at highway speeds.

The Dangers of Overloaded Trucks

Beyond the risks of improperly secured cargo, the total weight of a truck's load may be a factor that can lead to a truck accident. Commercial trucks are subject to weight restrictions, and overloading a truck can affect its performance and increase the risks of a serious accident.

Extended Stopping Distance

The heavier a vehicle is, the more force will be required to bring it to a stop, and the total stopping distance will be longer. On a highway, in construction zone traffic, or in any situation where sudden stopping is required, that extended stopping distance can prevent a truck driver from avoiding a catastrophic collision. An overloaded truck will also place stress on its brakes, adding to additional wear and increasing the risk of brake failure.

Poor Handling and Steering

Overloading can affect the overall handling of a commercial vehicle. Excess weight can place stress on a truck's suspension and make it more difficult to steer. When a truck handles sluggishly and does not respond correctly to steering, a truck driver will have less ability to maintain control in emergency situations.

Tire stress is another problem related to overloading. Tires are rated for specific load capacities, and blowouts or tread separation may occur due to the heat and pressure generated by carrying excess weight. A tire failure while a truck is traveling at highway speed can cause a sudden loss of control and lead to a truck accident.

Rollover Risks

Overloaded trucks are more likely to be involved in rollover accidents, which may take place on curves, highway on-ramps and off-ramps, or other situations where a driver needs to change direction quickly. The higher center of gravity created by excessive cargo weight can cause a truck to tip over before the driver can react. Rollover accidents involving overloaded commercial trucks are among the most destructive crashes that can occur, since victims may be struck by a falling trailer or caught underneath a rolling truck.

Falling and Flying Cargo

When cargo is not secured correctly, it may fall or be ejected from a moving commercial vehicle. Debris falling from trucks onto the road is a serious hazard.

Direct Impact Between Cargo and Other Vehicles

Cargo that falls from a moving truck can strike vehicles traveling behind or next to it with devastating force. A heavy object like a piece of lumber, a steel component, a concrete block, or an industrial part that falls from a truck and strikes a passenger vehicle's windshield, roof, or hood can injure or kill occupants. Even materials that may seem less dangerous, like gravel or small consumer products, can cause serious injuries when cargo is ejected from a moving truck.

Roadway Debris and Secondary Accidents

Cargo that falls from a truck into the road can create a hazard for all traffic. A large object in a lane of travel may not give drivers enough time to stop or maneuver around it, especially when they are traveling at highway speeds or in low-visibility conditions. Drivers who swerve abruptly to avoid debris may lose control of their vehicles, strike other vehicles, or leave the road entirely. Small debris like shards of wood or metal fragments can cause tire blowouts on other vehicles, leading to a sudden loss of control and causing accidents.

Hazardous Material Spills

Some cargo that falls from commercial trucks may be hazardous. The release of toxic chemicals onto the road can create additional dangers. A chemical spill may make the surface of the road slippery, produce toxic fumes, or create a fire hazard. These issues can increase the risk of accidents for all drivers in the area.

Identifying All Responsible Parties in Cargo-Related Truck Accidents

When an accident is caused by unsecured or falling cargo, multiple parties may be responsible, including:

The Truck Driver

Drivers are required to inspect cargo before beginning a trip, and they will also need to check their load at certain points during transit. A driver who fails to inspect their load, does not address a known problem, or operates a vehicle they know to be overloaded may be liable for accidents that occur because of this negligence.

The Trucking Company

Carriers are responsible for ensuring that their drivers follow the proper regulations and that vehicles do not have overloaded or improperly secured freight. A company that pressures drivers to accept overloaded loads, does not use the proper securement equipment, or fails to train drivers on proper cargo handling procedures, may be liable for accidents that result from those failures.

The Shipper or Loading Company

When a shipper or third-party loading company was responsible for loading and securing cargo on a truck, that party may be liable for a load failure. Shippers who load trucks beyond their weight limits, fail to properly tie down freight, or do not distribute weight correctly within a trailer can be held accountable for accidents that result from their failures.

Maintenance Companies

A cargo-related truck accident may be caused by defective equipment, such as broken straps or chains. A maintenance company responsible for the truck's upkeep may share liability if improper maintenance allowed the equipment failure to occur. Manufacturers of defective securement equipment may be responsible for accidents that occur when products fail to function correctly.

Contact Our Manassas, Virginia Falling Cargo Truck Accident Attorneys

A cargo-related truck accident can lead to multiple types of injuries and losses. The legal issues involved in these cases can be complex. At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, our attorneys can investigate these crashes, identify all responsible parties, and fight for the full compensation our clients need and deserve. Contact our Manassas shifting cargo truck accident lawyers at 703-392-6686 to set up a free consultation.