A cargo truck accident can leave you with serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and an uncertain future. Your New Orleans cargo truck accident lawyer from Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers is ready to take on trucking companies and insurers to fight for the compensation you deserve.
With our no-win, no-fee guarantee, you can pursue justice without financial risk. Call your New Orleans truck accident lawyer from our firm to learn more about who could be held accountable for your damages.
Top Causes of Cargo Truck Accidents in New Orleans
Cargo truck accidents often result in serious injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Improper loading, driver negligence, and mechanical failures can all contribute to devastating crashes.
When cargo shifts unexpectedly or spills onto the road, the risk of multi-vehicle collisions increases.
How Violations of Cargo Safety Standards Lead to Accidents
Federal and state regulations establish strict cargo loading requirements to prevent accidents, but violations are still common. Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can cause a truck to become unbalanced, making it harder for the driver to maintain control. Your New Orleans personal injury lawyer can help determine whether safety violations played a role in your crash.
Failure to follow cargo safety standards increases the likelihood of rollovers, jackknife accidents, and cargo spills. If cargo is not secured properly, it can shift during transport, leading to sudden weight distribution changes that cause the truck to veer off course. Holding negligent trucking companies accountable is critical in preventing future accidents.
How Improperly Loaded Cargo Causes Truck Accidents
Cargo must be loaded following strict weight limits and balance regulations to prevent accidents. If a truck is overloaded or cargo is improperly secured, it can become unstable, making turns and braking more dangerous. Your New Orleans cargo truck accident attorney with Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers can help determine whether improper loading contributed to your injuries.
Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:380, cargo must be properly secured, and weight limits must not exceed the legal maximum. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, liability for damages, and severe safety risks. If a trucking company or cargo loading crew fails to follow state and federal regulations, they may be responsible for the resulting crash.
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504-500-1111Types of Cargo-Related Hazards on the Road
Cargo-related hazards create dangerous conditions for all drivers, especially when cargo shifts, spills, or falls onto the road. These hazards can cause direct collisions or force other drivers to swerve, leading to secondary accidents. The following are some of the most common cargo-related hazards:
- Shifting cargo – Unsecured or unbalanced loads can move suddenly, throwing the truck off balance.
- Overloaded trucks – Exceeding weight limits makes it harder to brake, increasing stopping distances.
- Falling debris – Loose cargo, such as construction materials or improperly secured equipment, can drop onto the road and create obstacles.
- Leaking hazardous materials – Spilled chemicals or flammable substances can cause fires, exposure injuries, and road closures.
- Unstable liquid cargo – Tanker trucks carrying liquids may experience sloshing, making it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle.
- Improper weight distribution – Cargo that is too heavy on one side can cause rollovers or jackknife accidents.
- Inadequate cargo securement – Straps, chains, or tie-downs that are worn or improperly fastened can lead to load shifts.
- Unmarked oversized loads – Trucks carrying oversized cargo must have proper markings and warning flags to alert other drivers.
Cargo-related crashes often result in serious injuries or fatalities, particularly when hazardous materials are involved. Determining the cause of the accident and whether cargo regulations were violated is essential in holding the responsible parties accountable. Investigating inspection records, maintenance reports, and trucking logs can help identify safety violations that contributed to the crash.
Liability in Cargo Truck Accidents
Cargo truck accidents often involve multiple parties, making liability more complex than in standard car crashes. Identifying the responsible parties is essential in seeking full compensation for injuries, property damage, and lost wages. The following parties may be liable in a cargo truck accident:
- Truck drivers – Drivers are responsible for checking cargo securement before and during transport.
- Trucking companies – Companies that pressure drivers to exceed weight limits or skip safety checks may be liable.
- Cargo loading companies – Third-party loaders must follow proper weight distribution and securement procedures.
- Maintenance providers – Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance, such as brake or tire issues, can contribute to cargo-related accidents.
- Truck manufacturers – Defective truck parts, such as faulty tie-downs or trailer components, can cause cargo to become unstable.
Proving liability in a cargo truck accident requires reviewing maintenance logs, driver records, and cargo inspection reports. When multiple parties are involved, pursuing compensation from all liable sources can help ensure full financial recovery. Securing expert testimony and accident reconstruction analysis can strengthen your case and establish who is responsible for your injuries.
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504-500-1111Federal and State Regulations for Cargo Truck Safety
Federal and state laws regulate how cargo must be loaded, secured, and transported to prevent accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), under 49 CFR § 393, establishes nationwide cargo securement standards, requiring proper tie-downs and weight distribution. Your New Orleans car accident lawyer can help determine whether violations of these laws contributed to the crash.
FMCSA regulations require cargo to be properly distributed and secured to prevent shifting or falling. If a trucking company or driver fails to follow these requirements, they may be held liable for resulting accidents. Compliance with these laws is critical to ensuring road safety and preventing catastrophic crashes.
State regulations also impose specific weight limits and cargo securement requirements for commercial trucks operating in Louisiana. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:386, the maximum allowable weight for commercial trucks is determined by the number of axles and the type of roadway. Violations of these weight limits can lead to steep fines, increased wear on roadways, and a higher risk of catastrophic truck accidents.
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504-500-1111Talk With a Cargo Truck Accident Lawyer in New Orleans Today
Cargo truck accidents can cause catastrophic damage, but you should not be left to deal with the consequences alone. Our firm will build a strong case to demand full compensation for your injuries.
Contact our office or fill out our online form to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation with your cargo truck accident attorney in New Orleans from Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers.
