Truck unsecured load accidents are a serious issue in Dothan that can lead to life-changing injuries and property damage. If you were injured in a truck accident caused by an unsecured load, you need immediate legal help. A Dothan unsecured load truck accident lawyer with Parker Trial Law can help you understand your legal options when someone’s negligence harms you or a loved one.
Our skilled attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for injury victims in Alabama and Georgia for over a decade. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take legal action. Contact Parker Trial Law today for a free consultation.
How a Dothan Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
A Dothan truck accident lawyer can identify the parties responsible for your pain and expenses. When you are facing injuries after a truck unsecured load accident, you should not have to deal with the insurance company and legal details. Parker Trial Law has a strong track record in resolving cases, including unsecured truck load accidents. Here are a few of our success stories:
- Over $2 million for a bicyclist struck by a van
- $1.4 million for a semi-truck accident victim
- $875,000 for an auto accident injury victim
Here are just a few of our long list of clients who shared their experience with our firm:
- “If you’re looking for a law firm who goes above and beyond please see Parker Trial Law. Once again thank you and your staff.” Tyrhonda T.
- “My husband and I had a very good experience with Parker Trial Law. They always had very good communication and always kept us up to date. I would definitely recommend them to anyone.” Megan S.
Our truck crash attorneys fight to get every dollar you deserve from the responsible party and their insurance company.
Here is an overview of the legal services we offer to those injured in truck accidents caused by unsecured loads:
- Evaluate Your Case — We meet with you at your home, the hospital, the office, or virtually to help you understand your rights.
- Collect Evidence — We gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case, including police reports, dashcam footage, and witness statements.
- Determine Value — We take an objective, experienced look at your current and future losses based on your injuries.
- Negotiate a Settlement — We are tough negotiators who seek maximum compensation for you.
- Litigate in Court — We are ready to take your case to court if negotiations fall through.
State and Federal Regulations for Securing Cargo
State and federal regulations require trucking companies and drivers to secure cargo properly to protect public safety. These rules help stop cargo from shifting or falling, which can lead to serious accidents.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires trucking companies to use proper tie-down methods — like straps, chains, and locks — to keep cargo secure during transit. The federal agency also has routine inspections to check that these securing devices remain effective under various conditions to reduce the risk of cargo shifting.
Alabama weight limits and load safety laws include weight limits and standards for load safety to prevent overloading and uneven cargo distribution. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, the state weight limits are determined by the number of axles and type of commercial vehicle, as follows:
- Single Axle Weight Limits — 20,000 pounds maximum on all highways
- Tandem Axles Weight Limits — 34,000 pounds maximum on interstates and 36,000 pounds maximum on non-interstate roads
- Tridem Axles Weight Limits — 42,000 pounds maximum
- Overall Gross Weight — Cannot exceed 80,000 pounds, but special vehicles like concrete mixing trucks can weigh 20,000 pounds per axle
How Improperly Secured Cargo Can Lead to Serious Accidents
A truck unsecured load accident can lead to severe injuries, extensive property damage, and loss of life. Although each crash is different, here are simple explanations of why improperly secured cargo can cause a crash:
- When cargo shifts during transit, it destabilizes the truck and can cause it to roll over.
- When items fall onto the roadway, they create hazards that lead to multi-vehicle crashes.
- When unsecured loads cause sudden weight distribution changes, they make trucks significantly harder to control.
- When trucks are overloaded or unevenly loaded, they lose critical braking efficiency, which compromises their ability to stop in emergency situations.
Common Causes of Unsecured Load Accidents
Our truck accident attorneys for wrecks caused by unsecured loads have a deep understanding of how these accidents occur. This knowledge is valuable for identifying liable parties and making a strong case for compensation. Some common causes include:
- Failing to properly strap, secure, or tie cargo, either from carelessness, lack of proper equipment, or insufficient training
- Overloading cargo beyond the legal weight limits and the truck design
- Improperly administered inspection of cargo security before the driver departs and throughout the trip
- Speeding or driver negligence to meet tight deadlines
- Using equipment that is worn out or damaged, which can compromise the security of the cargo
Who Is Responsible for Unsecured Load Crashes?
When an unsecured load truck accident occurs, there might be several parties to share the blame. These include:
- Truck drivers, who are responsible for ensuring that the cargo they transport is properly loaded and secured
- Trucking companies, that should monitor their drivers to ensure they follow proper cargo loading procedures
- Cargo loading companies, that are responsible for properly securing the load and following state and federal guidelines on cargo securement
- Manufacturers of securing equipment, such as straps, chains, and locks, may share the blame if they distributed faulty equipment
Contact Our Dothan Truck Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Review
Since 2016, Parker Trial Law has helped injured people recover compensation from those responsible for their pain. We understand that facing a truck accident, especially one involving a truck unsecured load accident, can be overwhelming. Our experienced legal team and support staff focus on helping injured victims get the money they need to put their lives back on track.
Parker Trial Law handles personal injury cases across Alabama, Georgia, and the country. Let us put our award-winning skills to work for you on a contingency fee basis — you pay attorney fees only if we win your case. If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by an unsecured load, contact Parker Trial Law today for a free case review.
