Tampa Cargo Loading Truck Accident Lawyer

Commercial trucks are essential for moving cargo in and out of the Tampa area. But the size and weight of these vehicles make them a potential danger to others on the road. This is especially true if the truck’s cargo has not been properly loaded and secured.

Indeed, we have seen many horrific accidents caused by heavy cargo falling off a truck and striking another vehicle. Alternatively, improperly loaded cargo can shift during transport, throwing off a commercial truck’s center of gravity and causing the driver to lose control. If you have been injured in this or a similar scenario, a Tampa cargo loading truck accident lawyer can assist you in seeking compensation from a negligent truck driver, trucking company, or other third party who was responsible for preparing the vehicle for transport.

Florin Gray is a team of experienced Florida personal injury lawyers who represent clients who have been seriously injured in commercial trucking accidents. The lawyers on our team work every case as necessary, and we pride ourselves on being accessible to our clients at all times.

Who Is Responsible for Improperly Loading a Truck’s Cargo?

Cargo loading truck accidents most commonly occur on vehicles with flatbed trailers. These trailers are not enclosed, meaning there are no walls or doors to secure the cargo. It is therefore critical that any cargo is loaded and secured with safety straps that meet or exceed Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.

Even in trucks with fully enclosed trailers, failure to follow proper loading standards can still wreak havoc if any cargo becomes loose during transport. In extreme cases, the cargo can still “break out” of the trailer and onto the streets. And as previously noted, any shift in the trailer’s center of gravity creates a substantial risk of a rollover accident.

In terms of legal liability, there are a number of potential defendants who can be sued in the event of a cargo loading truck accident. The liable parties may include any or all of the following:

• The truck driver. Truck drivers must always inspect their cargo before beginning a trip to ensure it is properly secured. And during an extended trip, the driver needs to continually inspect cargo to ensure it remains properly secured.
• The truck loader. Truck drivers are generally not responsible for loading the cargo. This is usually done by the trucking company or a third-party who contracted the company to transport its cargo. Regardless, the party that loaded the truck needs to follow proper regulations and procedures.
• Safety equipment manufacturers. In some truck accident cases, even if the driver and the loader did everything by the book, the actual equipment used to secure the cargo failed at a critical moment. The manufacturer of such defective equipment can be sued under Florida product liability laws.

If You Were Hit By Unsecure Cargo Today, Call Florin Gray

Damages in commercial trucking accidents are often quite substantial. If your vehicle was struck by loose cargo or an out-of-control tractor-trailer, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, among other things. To speak with an experienced Tampa unsecure cargo loading truck accident lawyer, contact Florin Gray today to schedule a free consultation.