Can Shifting Cargo Cause Truck Accidents?

 Posted on July 15, 2024 in Truck Accidents

Unfortunately, Illinois ranked sixth among the worst states for truck crash fatalities in 2023. There are many different causes of truck accidents, including shifting or falling cargo. When a 3,000-pound passenger vehicle collides with an 80,000-pound fully loaded commercial truck, the injuries for those in the smaller vehicle are likely to be catastrophic or fatal. Shifting cargo can make these accidents exponentially worse.

Aside from the size disparity between a truck and a passenger vehicle, there are other unique issues related to truck crashes, most notably that there can be more than one liable party. Because truck accidents are particularly unique, it is essential that you speak to a Glenview personal injury lawyer from Gruzmark Law, Ltd. as quickly as possible. The sooner you speak to an attorney, the sooner they can begin building a strong case while ensuring your claim meets the Illinois statute of limitations.  

 How Poorly Secured or Shifting Cargo Results in Truck Accidents

While truck drivers depend on the loading company to ensure a load is properly secured, the driver must always make a final check of the cargo before beginning a trip. The most common ways shifting cargo can result in a truck accident include:

• The weight of the cargo is not distributed properly, causing the cargo to shift during transit and affecting the balance of the trailer. This inadequately distributed weight increases the risk of a truck jackknife accident or a rollover accident.
• The cargo is not properly secured. When cargo is not firmly immobilized, it can shift and cause accidents. Depending on the type of cargo being transported, tie-downs must be used to secure the materials.
• The trailer is overloaded, placing additional stress on both the truck and the trailer. Overloaded trailers can increase the risk of cargo shifting and spilling, tire blowouts, rollovers, steering problems, and braking issues.
• The cargo is stacked too high on the trailer, making it harder for the truck driver to see potential hazards. When cargo is stacked too high, not only do visibility issues worsen, but the load is more likely to shift, affecting the balance of the truck.

 Understanding the Risks of Shifting Cargo

Shifting cargo accidents are relatively common, even though these types of truck accidents are largely preventable. Everyone on the road is at risk when a truck’s cargo is not secure, as the following can occur:

•  Haphazardly loaded cargo can cause instability due to uneven weight distribution. If a truck driver has to make a sharp turn, change lanes quickly, or brake abruptly, unevenly loaded cargo can have disastrous results.
• Rollover accidents are much more common when a truck’s cargo shifts from improper loading. Rollover accidents are among the deadliest types of truck accidents. When a huge, heavy truck falls over onto much smaller vehicles, those inside the passenger vehicles are likely to sustain severe or fatal injuries.   
• Falling cargo can result in direct collisions, and if the falling items are large and heavy, they can fall on much smaller vehicles.
• When cargo falls from a truck trailer, it creates a road obstacle that forces other drivers to brake sharply or swerve unexpectedly, causing multi-vehicle accidents.

 Establishing Fault in a Truck Accident Caused by Shifting Cargo

Truck accidents often involve more than one liable party. The truck driver could be at fault if they failed to inspect the cargo or were distracted, impaired, overly fatigued, or driving recklessly. The trucking company could be at fault if it sent out an improperly trained driver, failed to fully vet the driver, or rushed the loading process.

The loading company could be responsible for improperly loaded or secured cargo, or the truck manufacturer could be responsible if a faulty truck part caused the accident. The truck maintenance company could be partially at fault for the accident if unsafe brakes or bad tires contributed to the accident.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Cook County, IL Truck Accident Lawyer

Nobody ever expects cargo to shift or fall from a trailer, yet it can happen in an instant. An experienced lawyer from Gruzmark Law, Ltd. can gather all necessary evidence and then build a strong case on your behalf.  When you choose an experienced North Shore, IL truck accident lawyer following your truck accident, you can be sure your rights and your future are protected. Connect with Gruzmark Law, Ltd. at 847-729-7660 today to schedule your free consultation. We speak Russian and Mongolian.