If you drive, you’ve probably seen the results of an accident brought on by items that were either not properly secured or were allowed to fall off of a truck. There are numerous items that can become dangerous projectiles, including lumber, mattresses, furniture, boxes, and even pieces of metal used in industrial projects. Items that have spilled out on the side of the road as a result of a truck going too fast or being in an accident are not uncommon. The idea of driving behind a truck whose cargo spills onto the road is even more terrifying.
In Arizona, trucking companies are in charge of safely securing goods to a truck. In addition, the driver is liable for any accidents brought on by objects falling from a moving truck. Both trucking companies and truck drivers typically have some liability, though these laws differ from state to state.
— Property Damage – Car Damage —
Others on the road as well as pedestrians are put in danger by drivers who fail to secure cargo properly in their trucks. All truck drivers are in charge of making sure that the cargo they are transporting doesn’t cause any harm, whether they are transporting furniture across town during a move, pipes, trash, construction materials, or other professional equipment. In the event that objects fall and cause an accident, the trucking company and driver may be held liable for the victims’ losses.
You might be entitled to compensation for the damages your car sustained if you were following a truck that was carrying lumber or another heavy object when it fell and hit your vehicle. The truck driver may be held liable for a variety of trucks, including those that require repairs or require you to pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being fixed.
Truck drivers must always secure their loads securely for their own safety and the safety of other motorists. An at-fault driver may be held liable for material damages if they fail to secure a truck load, which may give rise to claims of negligence. By affixing warnings to drivers not to follow too closely, some trucking companies attempt to lessen their liability. Even if the trucking company argues that it is not liable for harm brought on by falling debris, they are still in charge of failing to secure the materials properly.
— When a Personal Injury Occurs —
It’s crucial to contact the police as soon as possible if you or a loved one is hurt by flying debris. Always keep a note of the trucking company and the driver’s name for future reference. Note the company’s contact information as well as the precise location and accident time. Take note of any witnesses’ contact information if you can find them so that they can later provide you with witness testimony if you can.
After calling the police, the most crucial thing you can do is to gather as many images of the accident scene as you can. Photograph the truck’s and your car’s damage by taking pictures of it. To make it clear what occurred, make sure to take a wide variety of photos from various perspectives. To preserve evidence of what the truck driver was accountable for, take pictures of any debris in the surrounding area as well.
After an accident, getting medical attention is also crucial. Even if you do not think that you were hurt, it is still important to see a doctor right away for a quick evaluation. Many medical conditions, including whiplash, take days or even weeks to manifest after an accident. In the event that you need to file a lawsuit to obtain compensation later, going to the doctor right away to receive treatment creates a case history.
— Working with the Right Injury Lawyer —
You can best ensure that you have sufficient representation when bringing a lawsuit by working with a car accident attorney. The majority of trucking companies are represented by attorneys who will work to reduce their liability for your accident. In some instances, the trucking company or the insurance company of the at-fault driver may try to coerce you into accepting a meager settlement. It’s crucial to avoid speaking with the other insurance provider without your lawyer present.
Although bringing a lawsuit may seem intimidating, trucking firms and drivers should always be held accountable for any harm brought on by inadequately secured materials. In order to share the road safely and without hurting other motorists or pedestrians, drivers have a duty to do so. You may have grounds to sue if this obligation is broken.