Improperly loaded truck accidents happen fast. Cargo can shift, debris may fall into the road or a driver might lose control of the truck. These crashes can cause serious injuries, major damage and lots of legal questions.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident because the cargo wasn’t properly loaded, knowing what steps to take immediately can make a significant difference in your recovery, both physical and financial.
What Causes Improperly Loaded Truck Accidents?
Improper loading is just one of several
types of truck accidents that can lead to serious consequences on the road. Common causes include:
- Unsecured items: Cargo that’s not tied down properly can shift or fly off.
- Uneven weight distribution: When weight isn’t balanced correctly, trucks can tip or become harder to control.
- Overloaded trailers: Carrying more than the legal weight limit puts excess pressure on tires and brakes.
- Failure to inspect: Drivers and companies are required to check that cargo is safe before hitting the road.
These problems can cause the driver to lose control, roll over or send
flying debris into traffic. Sadly, these situations often lead to serious injuries or even fatalities for innocent drivers nearby.
What Should You Do After an Improperly Loaded Truck Accident?
Here are three steps to take immediately after you get into a lost load truck accident.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Call for Help
Right after the accident, focus on keeping yourself and others safe. If you’re able, pull over to the side of the road to avoid additional collisions. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical services if necessary. It’s also important to have a police officer on the scene to document what happened. A police report can be helpful if you decide to file a claim later.
Step 2: Document the Scene
If your injuries allow, take time to document the accident. Use your phone to take pictures of your car, the damage, the truck and anything else around the accident site. These photos can help tell the story of what happened and who might be at fault.
Try to gather contact information from any witnesses. If the truck is still nearby, note details such as the company name, license plate number and the color or model of the truck. If an item fell off a truck and hit your car, even small details, like a logo or color, can help find the truck later if needed.
Step 3: Avoid Discussing Fault
After a truck accident, many people want to say sorry or explain what happened. It’s best to avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Stick to the facts when speaking with police or other drivers, and let the investigation determine who was responsible.
Step 4: Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor immediately helps you get the care you need and proves your injuries came from the accident. This documentation will be important if you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Step 5: Contact a Lost Load Truck Accident Lawyer
One of the most important steps you can take after an improperly loaded truck accident is to speak with an experienced lost load truck accident lawyer. These cases can be tricky, especially when it’s not clear who loaded the cargo incorrectly. A skilled attorney will begin by looking into the details of the crash. This may include reading police reports, checking truck maintenance logs, interviewing witnesses and retrieving any available dashcam or traffic footage.
A lawyer can also determine whether the truck was carrying too much weight or if the load was secured improperly. These problems may not be easy to spot, but they can strongly affect your case.
Trucking companies and insurance providers are often quick to deny liability or offer fast settlements that don’t reflect the full cost of your injuries. An attorney will handle communications with insurance companies and advocate for fair compensation. You could get money for your medical bills, lost pay, car repairs and pain from the crash.
In serious cases, your lawyer may also ask for more money if you have lasting injuries or emotional stress. If your case ends up in court, your attorney will represent you and fight for your best interests every step of the way.
Step 6: Don’t Wait To File a Claim
It’s important to begin the legal process as soon as possible. Waiting too long can make it harder to find evidence. Every state has deadlines for filing a claim, and missing them can hurt your case.
In the days and weeks following a crash, insurance adjusters may try to reach out and pressure you into accepting a quick
semi truck accident settlement. By consulting a lawyer early, you’ll have someone on your side to protect your rights and guide you through the next steps with confidence.
Who Is Responsible if a Truck Is Overloaded?
In many improperly loaded truck accidents, more than one party may share responsibility. The truck driver might be to blame if they didn’t check the load or missed clear safety problems. Warehouse staff or freight handlers may be liable if they didn’t secure the cargo properly or exceeded the trailer’s weight capacity.
The trucking company can also be at fault, especially if they didn’t train drivers, skipped safety checks or rushed workers to drive too fast. Determining liability is not always straightforward, which is why having a truck accident lawyer investigate the details of the crash is so important.
Protect Your Rights After an Improperly Loaded Truck Accident
Improperly loaded truck accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant, but taking the proper steps after the crash can help protect your health, your finances and your legal rights.
At Sargon Law Group, we’re here to help you navigate every step of the process.
Contact us today for a free consultation and see how our lost load truck accident lawyers will stand up for you so that you can focus on healing.
