America’s highways are home to more commercial trucks today than ever before, and most of them carry heavy cargo. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Federal laws require a truck’s cargo to be balanced, secured, and properly loaded for safety. Nonetheless, a lost load accident, i.e. when cargo comes loose and falls onto the road, were responsible for more than 200,000 accidents (and 500 deaths) from 2011 to 2014, according to AAA.
The most serious lost load truck accidents occur when falling cargo hits a moving car. If you’re involved in this kind of accident, there might be major damage to your vehicle—and you or your passengers could suffer severe injury and/or death.
Who Is Responsible for a Lost Load Accident?
When an improperly loaded commercial truck causes an accident, more than one party might be negligent:
- The driver.
- The shipping company.
- The truck owner.
- The manufacturer of equipment used to secure cargo.
- Cargo-loading personnel at a warehouse or other location.
Because allowing cargo to fall from a loaded truck is against the law, the at-fault parties are liable for your damages. You might have a claim against any or all of the above defendants.
Your first step after a lost load truck accident in Minnesota should be to seek medical attention and document your injuries. Your second step should be to consult an attorney who can identify the proper defendants and help you get fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Have You Been Injured in a Minnesota Truck Accident?
Our free referral service will find you the best local doctor to treat your specific injuries, as well as an experienced local truck accident lawyer to evaluate your claim and fight to get you fair compensation while you are recovering.
Contact us online or call 763-251-PAIN for a free consultation about your accident. We’re the number one resource for lost load accident victims in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Just one call puts you two steps closer to justice!
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