Orlando, FL Cargo-Related Truck Accident Attorneys

Skilled Lawyers Addressing Accidents Caused by Overloaded Trucks or Unsecured Cargo in Orlando, FL

Commercial trucks transport goods to and from distribution centers, businesses, and ports across Florida. The immense size and weight of these vehicles make them inherently dangerous, especially when cargo is improperly loaded, unsecured, or exceeds legal weight limits. Overloaded trucks and shifting or falling cargo can lead to serious truck accidents, causing devastating injuries to other motorists.

When a truck accident involves a truck that exceeded its weight limits or freight that was not secured correctly, The Doan Law Firm is here to help. We advocate for victims of cargo-related trucking accidents, and we work to hold trucking companies, cargo loaders, and truck drivers accountable when negligence leads to serious injuries.

The Dangers of Overloaded Trucks

Federal and state regulations set strict weight limits for commercial trucks. When these limits are exceeded, a truck will become harder to control, and a truck driver will be more likely to be involved in an accident. Dangers associated with overloaded trucks include:

  • Brake Failure: Extra weight places excessive pressure on the truck's braking system, increasing stopping distance and risking complete brake failure.
  • Tire Blowouts: Tires are rated for specific load capacities. Overloading a truck can cause tires to overheat and rupture, especially when a truck is traveling at high speeds.
  • Rollover Risk: Heavy cargo can shift a truck's center of gravity, making truck rollover accidents more likely during sharp turns.
  • Structural Damage: Axles, suspension systems, and trailers can fail under excessive weight, causing mechanical breakdowns that could result in a loss of control.
  • Increased Collision Impact: Heavier trucks will cause more damage when they collide with other vehicles, leading to more severe injuries and a higher risk of fatality in a crash.

Overloaded trucks are more difficult to maneuver, especially in busy areas like downtown Orlando, narrow roads near delivery zones, or congested highway traffic. When drivers cannot respond in time to changing road conditions, they will be more likely to cause dangerous accidents.

The Risks of Unsecured or Shifting Cargo

Even if a truck is within its legal weight limits, accidents can occur due to improperly secured cargo. When items are not adequately tied down using straps, chains, or other devices, they can move during transit. Problems caused by unsecured cargo include:

  • Cargo Shift Accidents: If cargo moves when a truck driver brakes or takes sharp turns, this can throw off the truck's balance and cause a rollover, jackknife, or lane departure.
  • Falling Cargo: Freight that falls onto the roadway can strike nearby vehicles, cause secondary collisions, or force drivers to make evasive maneuvers that could result in crashes.
  • Hazardous Material Spills: If a truck is carrying dangerous or toxic cargo, a spill caused by improper containment can result in fires, chemical exposure, or environmental damage.

Proper loading procedures are not just best practices; they are legal requirements. When trucking companies or freight handlers cut corners or ignore safety standards, innocent people can suffer the consequences.

Who May Be Liable in Cargo-Related Truck Accidents?

Determining liability in these cases involves assessing who was responsible for loading and securing the cargo and whether they followed federal and state safety regulations. Depending on the circumstances, the following parties may be held responsible:

  • Truck Drivers: Because vehicle operators are responsible for inspecting cargo before and during a trip, they may be liable for failing to address concerns about cargo that was unsafe or was not loaded properly.
  • Trucking Companies: Employers may be liable for enforcing unsafe schedules, failing to train drivers on cargo safety, or ignoring signs of dangerous overloading.
  • Cargo Loaders or Freight Handlers: Third-party companies that load trucks are responsible for securing cargo and ensuring that it complies with weight and distribution regulations.
  • Vehicle or Equipment Manufacturers: If cargo restraints or equipment such as straps or chains fail due to defects, manufacturers may share liability for an accident.

Addressing Overloading and Unsecured Cargo

Truck accident cases involving cargo issues can be complex, requiring technical knowledge, analysis by experts, and thorough documentation. At The Doan Law Firm, our attorneys can investigate these accidents and determine the true cause of the crash. We will work to build strong legal claims on behalf of our clients so they can receive compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Our team can gather evidence from the crash site, review police reports, and examine any available surveillance footage. We will request loading manifests, weigh station reports, inspection logs, and maintenance documents to uncover regulatory violations or negligence. We work with trucking and engineering experts to assess how overloaded or shifting cargo contributed to the accident. With this knowledge, we can help victims file insurance claims or take legal action against the liable parties, fighting to ensure that they can receive the compensation they need to recover and rebuild their lives.

Contact Our Orlando Truck Accident Lawyers for Unsecured or Falling Cargo

When a truck accident was caused by an overloaded vehicle or unsecured cargo, the attorneys at The Doan Law Firm can help victims determine their best legal options for maximizing the compensation they can receive. Contact our Orlando office today at 407-289-0000 to arrange a free consultation.

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