Were you injured in a lost load truck accident in Austin, Texas? Cargo that falls or shifts from a commercial truck can cause devastating crashes and serious injuries. Contact Anderson Injury Lawyers at (512) 399-5000 to schedule a free consultation with an Austin lost load truck accident lawyer and learn about your legal options.
Lost load accidents often happen because cargo was improperly secured, overloaded, or not inspected before the truck entered the road. Determining what caused the load to come loose is an important step in identifying who may be responsible and pursuing compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Why Choose Anderson Injury Lawyers for Help After a Lost Load Truck Accident in Austin, TX?
A lost load truck accident can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and questions about who is responsible. An experienced Austin truck accident lawyer can investigate the crash, determine why the cargo came loose, and work to hold all liable parties accountable.
When you choose Anderson Injury Lawyers, you benefit from:
- Experience: Founding attorney Mark Anderson has more than 30 years of legal experience.
- Results: More than $100 million recovered for injured clients.
- Recognition: Our team includes an attorney who is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
- Honors: AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, Texas Magazine Top Attorney, and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
- Local Representation: Dedicated legal guidance from an Austin-based law firm serving injury victims throughout Austin, TX.
If you were injured because cargo fell from a commercial truck, an Austin personal injury attorney can review your case, explain your legal options, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
How Lost Load Truck Accidents Happen
Truck cargo must be loaded and secured properly. When cargo is not secured, it can fall from the truck or shift during travel. That can cause the truck driver to lose control or force other drivers to swerve.
Common causes of lost load crashes include:
- Loose straps, chains, or tie-downs
- Overloaded trailers
- Cargo that was not balanced correctly
- Open tailgates or unsecured doors
- Poor driver inspections
- Weak or broken loading equipment
These crashes are often preventable. A careful review of the truck, cargo, and company records can show what went wrong.
Texas Laws on Securing Loads
Texas law requires certain loads to be secured so they do not spill, blow, or fall onto the road. Texas Transportation Code Chapter 725 covers loose materials, including dirt, sand, gravel, and wood chips. The law requires certain loads to be covered or otherwise secured to prevent materials from escaping onto the roadway.
Federal rules also apply to many commercial trucks. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require cargo to be properly secured so it does not shift or fall from a commercial motor vehicle. These rules are meant to reduce crashes caused by falling or moving cargo. A violation of these rules can become key evidence after a truck accident.
Who May Be Responsible for a Lost Load Crash?
More than one person or company may be held liable for a lost load crash. The truck driver may have failed to inspect the load. The trucking company may have failed to train workers or maintain equipment. A loading company may have secured the cargo poorly.
Possible responsible parties include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A cargo loading company
- A shipping company
- A maintenance provider
- Another careless driver
Finding every responsible party matters because truck accidents can cause high medical bills, lost income, and long-term harm.
Common Injuries in Lost Load Truck Accidents
Lost load crashes can be severe. Drivers may hit road debris, swerve into other lanes, or crash into the truck itself. Motorcyclists and pedestrians face even greater danger.
Common injuries include:
- Head injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns or cuts
- Internal injuries
- Fatal injuries
Medical records help connect the crash to the injury. They also show how the injury affects the victim’s daily life.
Evidence That Can Help Prove a Lost Load Claim
Evidence can disappear fast after a truck crash. Cargo may be cleaned up, trucks may be repaired, and records may be changed or lost.
Important evidence may include:
- Photos of the debris
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Dash camera video
- Truck inspection records
- Cargo loading records
- Driver logs
- Company safety records
An Austin personal injury attorney can send preservation letters to help prevent important evidence from being lost or destroyed.
What to Do After a Lost Load Truck Accident in Austin
After a crash, get medical care right away. Some injuries do not show symptoms at first. A medical exam can protect your health and create records for your claim.
You should also report the crash and take photos if it is safe. Try to capture the debris, the truck, the road, and any vehicle damage. Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance company before getting legal advice.
Contact Our Austin Lost Load Truck Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
An Austin lost load truck accident attorney can help after a crash caused by falling or unsecured cargo. These cases often involve trucking companies, loading crews, and commercial insurers.
Anderson Injury Lawyers helps injured clients in Austin, TX, investigate lost load crashes and pursue compensation. If you were hurt because cargo fell from a truck, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.