El Paso Accidents Resulting from Overloaded Trucks and Unsecured Loads

Every year in the United States, there are approximately 50,000 wrecks involving debris, and ⅔ or more of these accidents are the result of unsecured loads. Truckers in El Paso are responsible for making sure their load is secure before hitting the road, but if they fail to do so, the results can be catastrophic. If you or a loved one has been injured because of an overloaded truck or unsecured load, you may want El Paso commercial truck accident attorneys on your side.

At Carabin Shaw, we care for our clients, which is why we’ve been named a Top Ten firm in client satisfaction. We understand that every case is different, so our El Paso injury lawyers know it’s important to listen to the unique circumstances of your case and create a customized plan of action for you accordingly. We know what to do after El Paso accidents resulting from overloaded trucks and unsecured loads.

Unsecured cargo accidents are one type of accident involving trucking-related debris on the roads and highways of El Paso. Most drivers have seen debris on the road, like a cardboard box, a piece of equipment, or something else. Any type of debris can be very dangerous for drivers on the road, especially on highways where drivers are going at high speeds. Below are a few examples of the types of unsecured cargo that can lead to a trucking accident in El Paso:

• Car parts (tires, hub caps, drive shafts)
• Household items (furniture, mattresses, tools)
• Raw materials (lumber, sheet metal, piping)

When debris causes your accident, it’s best to consult an attorney.

Generally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all cargo to be secured using provisions such as shoring bars, tie-downs, and dunnage bags. Any items that have the potential to roll must be held in place by chocks, a cradle, or wedges so that they do not shift during transit. If items are not properly secured, it could have dire consequences. Below are a few factors that could cause an unsecured cargo accident in El Paso:

• Wear and tear on securing materials such as straps and chains
• Improper loading and securing
• Shifting of materials during transport

Most of these issues can be prevented with a proper safety check. If you or a loved one were injured because of an unsecured load, talk to a lawyer.

Overloaded trucks and unsecured loads are dangerous. Below are some of the most common types of accidents caused by overloaded trucks and unsecured loads:

• Jackknife - If a truck is overloaded or improperly loaded, it can cause a jackknife, which is when a truck with a tractor-trailer folds in on itself, and it’s extremely dangerous.
• Rear-ends - A heavier truck means an 18 wheeler will take longer to brake. If you were rear-ended, talk to an attorney.
• Brake failure - If a truck is overloaded, it may push the brakes beyond their limit, which can be a hazard to everyone on the road.
• Ruptured tires - A truck that’s exceeded its weight limit can put extra pressure on its tires, causing them to rupture. El Paso commercial truck accident attorneys can tell you more.
• Dropped cargo - When loads aren’t properly secured, they can be a serious hazard. If your accident was caused by dropped cargo, talk to El Paso injury lawyers.

After a trucking accident in El Paso, you deserve to be compensated. At Carabin Shaw, we do everything we can for every client we serve to get them proper justice. El Paso accidents resulting from overloaded trucks and unsecured loads are unfair to victims and their families, especially because they almost always could have been prevented. It’s unfair, but we do what we can to make it right. Call us today at 915-779-2301 for a free consultation with a qualified, compassionate lawyer at our firm.