Unsecured Cargo in Arkansas

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that out of a total of about 5,419,000 crashes in 2010, about one percent – 51,000 crashes – involved a vehicle striking an object that came off of another vehicle or a non-fixed object lying in the roadway. Of these 51,000 crashes, there were almost 10,000 people injured and 440 fatalities.

A majority of those 51,000 crashes were caused by cargo that was unsecured and became loose while the truck driver was on the road. Some of the most common causes of incorrectly secured cargo accidents include:

• Cargo falling from the truck
• Poor balance of cargo
• Improper tie-downs
• Truck negligence in checking the security of cargo at appropriate intervals
• Unstable stacking of cargo

Who is responsible for accidents caused by unsecured loads? It is not just the truck driver and trucking company who are responsible for unsecured loads and shifting cargo,it is also the truck loading company.Under federal regulations, the law requires that the trucking company and loading company secure the truck’s load before departing. Also, the drivers for commercial trucks have a responsibility to inspect the cargo before they get on the road. If a trucking company or loading company fails to follow the law, they need to be held accountable for their poor actions.

At McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm, our experienced truck accident attorneys are experts at determining who is to blame for a deadly accident. We hold truck drivers, trucking companies, and loading companies accountable for their negligence in loading the trailer or flatbed of a commercial truck. Call (479) 783-0036 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our highly experienced truck accident lawyers.