Delivery trucks, cargo vans, and other commercial trucks carrying cargo could cause devastating car accidents. If you or a loved one were hurt in a Baton Rouge car accident involving a cargo truck, you might be entitled to financial compensation for your vehicle damage, medical expenses, and other costs resulting from the accident.
A Baton Rouge cargo truck lawyer from Morris Bart will help you pursue the compensation you and your family need. Our law firm serves personal injury clients in 16 locations throughout Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Call our office at (225) 300-6652 today for a no-obligation case assessment.
Accidents Caused by Improperly Loaded Cargo
When people think of truck accidents, many assume that the accident was caused by truck driver negligence, drunk driving, driver fatigue, or similar issues. However, some truck accidents result from poorly loaded or poorly secured cargo. Trucking companies, delivery companies, and others that use cargo trucks must take precautions to ensure that the trucks are loaded properly. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has instituted specific cargo securement rules to regulate how truck cargo must be loaded and secured. Truck cargo must be packed so that the weight is evenly distributed and the cargo does not move about or fall off the truck during transportation.
Improper Loading and Securement of Trailer Cargo
If you have ever had groceries in your vehicle’s trunk tumble around while driving, you know how frustrating and distracting it can be. However, loose cargo in a commercial truck could have much more dangerous consequences. When cargo is not loaded correctly and tightly secured in the back of a cargo truck, the truck may become unbalanced and hard to control. The uneven distribution may also cause the truck driver to lose control and trigger an accident. Inadequately secured cargo may even fall against the vehicle’s back door, force the doors open, and spill onto the roadway, causing a potentially deadly hazard.
Loose Cargo on Flatbed Trucks
Flatbed trucks may haul lumber, building equipment, farm machinery, and many other types of freight. When this freight is not packed and secured correctly, it can fall off the truck and onto the road. Motorists may be struck by the falling cargo or become involved in an accident while trying to avoid colliding with the road debris.
Overloaded Cargo Trucks
Trucks should not be loaded with more freight than they are designed to carry. Cargo that extends past the trailer or overburdens the truck can lead to severe accidents. When a truck carries too much weight, the truck’s steering system, braking system, and other vital systems may not work correctly. An overloaded truck also takes longer to stop than a truck carrying the appropriate amount of cargo.
Truck Accidents Involving Hazardous Materials
Most U.S. freight, including flammable liquids, explosives, toxic gases, radioactive material, and other hazardous materials, is transported by truck. The results could be catastrophic when hazardous material spills onto the road or is released during a truck accident. Smoke and fire caused by flammable material could spread to other vehicles, resulting in disfiguring burn injuries and, often, death.
For a free legal consultation with a Cargo Truck Accident lawyer serving Baton Rouge, call 800-537-8185
Liability for a Cargo Truck Accident
The party liable or legally responsible for your cargo truck accident may be several different parties. Often, there is more than one liable party in a truck accident case. The party responsible for your accident may be the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the truck, the party that loaded cargo, the manufacturer of a defective securement device, or any other party.
In some cases, the injured person is also considered partially liable for the accident. Fortunately, the Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §2323 allows injured car accident victims to pursue compensation even if they are partially at fault.
Damages in a Baton Rouge Cargo Truck Accident Case
Your accident may have left you with painful, debilitating injuries. You may be unable to work, drive to medical appointments, or even carry out everyday chores. Your injuries may have also left you in a great deal of medical debt. Through a personal injury claim, you may recover compensation for the costs resulting from your accident. You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical treatment, including emergency room treatment, ambulance transportation, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing medical needs
- Lost wages caused by the time you spent off work
- Future lost wages caused by follow-up appointments or continuing medical care
- Reduced earning capacity
- Disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Out-of-pocket expenses caused by your injuries
Call us at (225) 300-6652 for your free consultation.
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Fatal Cargo Truck Accidents in Louisiana
If your loved one was killed in a cargo truck accident caused by negligence, you might have a wrongful death case. A wrongful death claim may help you recover compensation for the financial losses resulting from your loved one’s death. You could be compensated for your loved one’s medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and the loss of their household services such as childcare. You may also receive compensation for the deceased person’s pain and suffering, as well as the loss of the deceased person’s emotional support, care, and companionship.
A Baton Rouge Cargo Truck Lawyer May Be Able to Help
Let a Baton Rouge cargo truck lawyer from Morris Bart handle your case on your behalf so that you can focus on recovering. Our team will:
- Explain your legal options and keep you fully informed about your case
- Find the best strategy for pursuing compensation
- Identify all of the recoverable damages in your case
- Determine the parties who are responsible for the truck accident
- Obtain evidence and use it to demonstrate the defendant’s negligence
- Negotiate with the insurance companies and the defense’s legal team
- Fight for a settlement that covers your past, present, and future expenses
- Take the case to court and represent you during a Baton Rouge personal injury lawsuit if a satisfactory settlement is not reached
Call Morris Bart Injury and Accident Lawyers Today
If you want to learn more about filing a legal action after a cargo truck accident, contact a Baton Rouge cargo truck lawyer from Morris Bart. According to CC §3492, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is one year, so getting started on your claim as soon as possible is important. Call our office at (225) 300-6652 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
