Who is liable if my accident was caused by the spilled contents of a commercial truck (unsecured load)?

Commercial trucks, by their sheer weight and size alone, already pose a danger to motorists with whom they share the road. When an unsecured load—one that is not covered or has not been loaded onto the truck in such a way as to ensure it will not shift during travel—is added to the mix, the danger factor increases significantly.

An unsecured load can consist of any type of material. This can range from small rocks or gravel to liquid contents to construction materials like wood or metal. Unsecured loads can cause a truck accident by becoming loose on their own, or if the truck’s contents spilled as a result of an accident, such as a truck crashing into another vehicle and overturning.

Are certain types of unsecured loads more dangerous than others?

Some unsecured load contents can be extremely dangerous. Flying rocks or gravel, even of a relatively small size, can hit a vehicle with enough force to cause massive body damage or break a car’s windshield. Likewise, trucks hauling large materials like logs, live animals, or even toxic contents such as gasoline or other waste can cause extensive damage to other vehicles, the road itself, and the surrounding environment.

While some truck contents may be labeled as a hazardous material, other types of spilled truck contents simply create unsafe road conditions. Either way, solid or liquid debris on a roadway is very likely to cause a serious accident.  

When vehicle damage or injuries are caused by an unsecured load, it’s important to call a truck accident attorney who can explain your legal options. Your Louisiana truck accident attorney will be able to determine liability in your unsecured load case and help you file a claim to recover damages.

Contacting a Louisiana Personal Injury Attorney

After a serious truck accident, while you are dealing with injuries, medical bills, car repairs, and insurance companies, it’s important to have someone working on your side.

Speaking with an experienced Louisiana personal injury attorney after a truck accident can help you understand your legal rights and options, and if necessary, help you file a personal injury lawsuit to help you recover compensation for your losses.

The Louisiana personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of J. Price McNamara can help you recover damages for medical bills, ongoing medical treatment, property damage, and other accident-related expenses. Contact us to schedule your FREE legal consultation today – (866) 248-0580.

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