Texas Truck Accident Lawyers

Loose Cargo: A Hazard on the Road

Big rigs and 18-wheelers can be intimidating vehicles to drive next to due to their extremely large size. The uneasiness is further intensified when the cargo they are carrying appears to flapping about in the wind, ready to come loose and strike your vehicle. There are laws that govern and specify how cargo should be secured.

General Guidelines

According to guidelines posted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “cargo must be firmly immobilized, or secured on or within a vehicle by structures of adequate strength, dunnage or dunnage bags, shoring bars, tiedown or a combination of these.” An item that is likely to roll must be restrained by chocks, wedges, a cradle, or other equivalent means to prevent rolling. Any methods used to prevent rolling must not be capable of becoming unintentionally unfastened or loose while the vehicle is transporting the cargo.

Your Rights

Commercial drivers have an occupational obligation to conduct their vehicles in a manner that is safe and responsible. As a motorist you have the right seek damages if a trucker’s failure to uphold these standards results in loss or injury to your person or property. If you or someone you know has suffered injury or death due to an accident involving unsecured cargo, you need an attorney who is knowledgeable of motor carrier law.

A Texas Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

Contact the Texas truck accident lawyers of Williams Kherkher at 866.950.9000 for a free initial consultation. We are experienced and prepared to protect your rights.