Unsecured Load Blocks Traffic in Citrus Heights
An unsecured load caused a section of a house being transported by a tractor-trailer to crash onto a Citrus Heights roadway on September 17. The incident happened at around 3:11 in the afternoon while the driver was attempting to enter onto Interstate 80 close to Orlando Avenue and Auburn Boulevard, according to a report by a Caltrans official. The dropped load resulted in the closure of the southbound and northbound ramps between Riverside Avenue and Auburn Boulevard but did not affect traffic along the freeway. According to Caltrans, a tow truck was dispatched to the scene to move the 15,000 pound obstruction.
Unsecured Loads
Many accidents around the country happen due to unsecured loads. From 2011 to 2014, there were 200,000 accidents due to cargo falling on the road. This caused about 500 fatalities and serious injuries. The accidents involved both passenger vehicles and semi-trucks. All the accidents were able to be placed in the following categories:
- Those where a motorist driving behind a vehicle that loses a load strikes the cargo in the road
- Those where a motorist trying to avoid the fallen cargo is involved in an accident and is injured
Securing Cargo
Despite the type of cargo that is being transported, a driver has the responsibility of securing it properly before heading out. The bottom line is the cargo needs to remain secure throughout the entire trip until the vehicle reaches its destination. The driver must also repeatedly check the cargo during the trip to make sure it remains secure. The secured cargo must stay in place under all reasonably expected driving conditions. It is important for the driver or person who loads the cargo to inspect it carefully, consider its weight, and balance it so it does not lead to a rollover. Trucks should also not be overloaded.
Truckers Need to Take the Following Steps
Truckers must secure their cargo so that it can withstand a force in all directions without coming loose, leaking, or falling. Three different securement systems are available, and it is up to the trucking company and trucker to choose the right one for the type, size and weight of cargo the truck is hauling:
- Securing devices: These include webbing, steel straps, ropes, grab hooks, shackles, and friction mats, among others. Tie-downs are also used where the cargo is restrained by tying it to an anchor point. Some tie-downs actually pass over the cargo and are attached at the base of the truck, preventing movement.
- Specific type of truck: The truck must match the type of cargo. For instance, a truck hauling a large, heavy structure might have rails along the side to prevent movement.
- Bracing and blocking devices: Blocking devices such as chocks and cradles must be able to prevent movement and be strong enough to withstand the crushing force of the cargo.
Who Is Liable When an Unsecured Load Causes an Accident?
When an accident is caused by an unsecured load, it is possible to hold both the driver and the trucking company that employs him responsible. If cargo is not loaded correctly or if it is unsecured, it poses a risk to other motorists. If the cargo falls from the truck, motorists can hit it or be involved in an accident as they try to avoid hitting it. The shift in the weight caused by a falling load can also cause the trucker to lose control and strike other motor vehicles. In cases where the material being hauled is toxic to people, livestock, or the environment, a spill can be expensive to clean up properly.
What a Lawyer Can Do for You
When you are injured by an unsecured load, you need the insight an injury lawyer can provide. In order to prove negligence and evaluate the way the cargo is handled, experience is necessary. That is why we send our team of investigators to the crash site to look for evidence, obtain videos of the accident and interview witnesses as well as review police reports for accuracy. Our investigators can evaluate the methods the trucking company used to make sure their cargo was secure. They also look into past accidents the company had that were due to unsecured cargo, and the training employees are given in securing their loads. Once this information is gathered, our legal team uses it to build a strong case in your favor.
Citrus Heights Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Citrus Heights truck accident lawyer. Unsecured loads cause many injuries each year to motorists who are unable to avoid a collision. If this happened to you, I have free and friendly advice to offer you. You can reach me at (916) 921-6400 or through the long-distance number at (800) 404-5400. Some prefer to use the online contact form.
I’ve handled numerous traumatic injuries, all types of car accidents and wrongful deaths over my 37-year career, helping Citrus Heights residents obtain the compensation they deserve.
Discover what former clients of mine have had to say about my help with their accident injuries, and look over cases that were handled by my firm at:
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/highway-rescue-alley-jam-auto-3386978/
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