Truck accidents can be serious and life-changing. One of the most dangerous types of accidents involves lost loads, or when cargo falls off a truck while it’s moving. These accidents can lead to crashes, injuries, and even death.
In Ocala, Florida, lost load truck accidents are a real problem, especially on busy highways like I-75 and local roads where large trucks regularly travel. If you get into one of these crashes, call Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at (352) 351-3258 to speak with one of our Ocala truck accident lawyers.
Our firm has over 100 years of experience in personal injury and insurance work and has recovered hundreds of millions in compensation for our clients. Our Ocala personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so contact us to set one up today.
How Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers After a Car Wreck in Ocala, FL
Getting into a lost load truck crash can be frightening, and you’re facing severe injuries and resulting medical bills if you’ve been in one. Let our Ocala truck accident attorneys at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers handle the legal side of your case while you focus on recovering.
When you hire our Ocala personal injury lawyers, we’ll support your case by:
- Investigating your accident to determine its cause and all potentially liable parties
- Collecting evidence to strengthen your case
- Communicating and negotiating with insurance companies
- Keeping you updated on all developments in your case
- Preparing to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a lost load truck wreck alone. Call our firm in Ocala, FL, to schedule a free consultation about your case.
What Is a Lost Load Truck Accident?
A lost load truck accident happens when the cargo a truck is carrying falls off during transport. Lost loads can include construction materials, logs, furniture, or heavy machinery. When this cargo falls off the truck, it can hit other vehicles or create road hazards that cause drivers to crash.
Sometimes, the load spills across multiple lanes of traffic, leading to chain-reaction accidents. These crashes can involve cars, motorcycles, and even pedestrians.
Lost load accidents are extremely dangerous because drivers behind the truck usually don’t have time to react or stop safely. These crashes can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, brain injuries, and spinal cord damage.
Common Causes of Lost Load Accidents
There are several reasons why a load might fall off a truck. In many cases, it’s due to negligence, meaning someone didn’t do their job correctly.
Most lost load accidents we see are caused by one of a few common reasons:
- Improper loading or failure to properly secure cargo
- Overloading a truck beyond its weight limits
- Poor truck equipment maintenance, including old tires or faulty brakes
- Road conditions, like sharp curves or potholes
- Weather conditions, like high winds
Every lost load accident has its own unique facts, but many of these crashes could have been prevented with proper care and attention.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
After a lost load accident, one of the first questions is: who is at fault? The responsibility often falls on the truck driver or the trucking company. If the driver failed to inspect the load or didn’t secure it properly, they might be held liable. The trucking company may also be responsible if they rushed the job or didn’t train their employees correctly.
Sometimes, the company that loaded the cargo may differ from the trucking company. In those cases, the loading company could be at fault if it didn’t follow safety rules or used the wrong equipment. If a part on the truck fails, the manufacturer of that part might also be held responsible. This could include faulty straps, chains, or other load-securing tools.
Determining fault can be complex. That’s why it’s important to talk to a lawyer who knows how to investigate truck accidents and figure out what really happened.
Steps to Take After a Lost Load Accident
If you’ve been in a lost load truck accident, consider taking the following actions:
- Get medical help right away, even if you don’t feel hurt at first. Some injuries take time to show up.
- Try to gather as much information as possible. If it’s safe, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. Also, try to get contact information from witnesses.
- Call the police so there’s an official report of the accident. Make sure to get a copy for your records.
You should also speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. A lawyer can protect your rights, deal with insurance companies, and help you get money for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. Don’t talk to the trucking company or their insurance adjusters before you talk to a lawyer. They might try to get you to settle for less than you deserve.
Preventing Future Lost Load Accidents
While victims deserve justice, the goal is also to prevent these accidents from happening again. Trucking companies and drivers must follow strict rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They are required to secure cargo with approved equipment and check the load during the trip.
If more companies follow these rules, fewer people will get hurt. Public awareness is also important. Drivers should stay alert when following trucks and leave plenty of space if something goes wrong.
Contact Our Ocala Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one were hurt in a lost load crash, you don’t have to face it alone. Talking to a skilled Ocala truck accident lawyer can help you understand your options and take the next step toward recovery and justice. Call Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
