Sandusky Unsecured Cargo Accident Attorneys

Helping Victims of Unsecured Load Collisions in Sandusky, OH

Unsecured cargo is a serious problem on American roads. When cargo is not properly secured, it can shift, fall, or spill onto the roadway, creating dangerous conditions for other drivers.

If you or someone you love was injured in a collision caused by unsecured cargo, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. At Murray & Murray, our Sandusky unsecured cargo accident lawyers have been representing injured victims and families who have lost loved ones in preventable truck accidents since 1931. We know the law, and we know how to fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

For a free and confidential consultation, call our firm at (419) 664-3711 or contact us online today.

What is Unsecured Cargo?

Unsecured cargo refers to any type of cargo that is not properly secured or restrained. This can include cargo that is not properly loaded onto a truck or other vehicle, as well as cargo that is not properly secured once it is loaded.

Unsecured cargo can include a wide range of items, from small, lightweight objects to large, heavy items. Some examples of unsecured cargo include:

• Construction materials
• Tools and equipment
• Logs and lumber
• Steel beams
• Heavy machinery
• Automobiles
• Household goods
• Electronics
• Appliances
• And more

When cargo is not properly secured, it can shift, fall, or spill onto the roadway. This can create dangerous conditions for other drivers, as well as for the truck driver and any passengers in the truck. In some cases, unsecured cargo can even cause a truck to jackknife or rollover.

Who Is Liable for Unsecured Cargo Accidents?

Liability for unsecured cargo accidents will depend on the specific circumstances involved. In some cases, the truck driver may be liable for the accident. In other cases, the trucking company may be liable. In still other cases, a third party may be liable.

Some of the parties that may be liable for unsecured cargo accidents include:

• Truck Driver: The driver may be held responsible if they were aware of the unsecured cargo or failed to properly secure it.
• Trucking Company: The company that owns or operates the truck may be held liable if they failed to implement proper training, policies, or procedures for securing cargo.
• Cargo Loading Company: If a separate company loaded the cargo onto the truck, they might be held liable if their negligence led to the unsecured cargo.
• Manufacturers or Distributors: If the cargo itself was defective or improperly packaged, the manufacturers or distributors could potentially be held liable.
• Maintenance Providers: If poor maintenance contributed to the cargo becoming unsecured (e.g., faulty tie-down equipment), those responsible for truck maintenance may be liable.

Liability for unsecured cargo accidents can be complex. In some cases, multiple parties may be liable for the accident. For example, if a truck driver is involved in a collision caused by unsecured cargo, the truck driver, the trucking company, and the company that loaded the cargo may all be liable for the accident.

It is important to work with an experienced unsecured cargo accident lawyer who can help you determine liability and hold the appropriate parties accountable.

How to Prove Negligence in a Cargo Accident

In order to recover compensation for a cargo accident, you will need to prove that the party you are holding liable was negligent. In other words, you will need to show that the party owed you a duty of care, that they breached this duty of care, and that this breach of duty caused your injuries and damages.

To gather evidence and support your claim of negligence in an unsecured cargo accident, consider the following steps:

• Accident Scene Investigation: Collect evidence from the accident scene, including photographs, witness statements, and any documentation related to the cargo.
• Cargo Inspection: If possible, examine the cargo to determine whether it was properly secured and if there were any defects in packaging or loading.
• Driver Statements: Obtain statements from the truck driver and other involved parties regarding their actions leading up to the accident and their adherence to safety protocols.
• Expert Witnesses: Consult with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists or cargo safety experts, who can provide professional opinions on the cause of the accident and whether negligence occurred.
• Regulatory Compliance: Check whether the responsible parties complied with industry regulations and safety standards regarding cargo securement.

Our firm can guide you through the process of proving negligence in an unsecured cargo accident. We can help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure you have a strong case based on the specific circumstances of your situation.

Contact us today at (419) 664-3711 to discuss your case with our Sandusky unsecured cargo accident lawyers.