Understanding Liability when Unsecured Cargo Causing New Mexico Trucking Accidents Harms You
Large commercial trucks like semi tractor trailers, tankers, big rigs, and other 18 wheelers are meant to haul heavy cargo throughout the United States. While many trucking companies do so safely, unfortunately far too many reckless, careless, and negligent trucking accidents occur. One of the most common causes of dangerous big rig crashes is unsecured cargo causing New Mexico trucking accidents. These incidents can result in serious personal injuries or the wrongful death of an innocent person.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured by unsecured cargo causing New Mexico trucking accidents, ask our Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. to learn how we can help protect your rights to compensation. Unsecured cargo can cause so many different types of serious personal injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, crushing injuries, and other devastating damages. Our experienced legal team will work hard to protect your rights to compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, lost future earnings, medical bills, loss of consortium, and other types of damages.
Liability for Unsecured Cargo Causing New Mexico Trucking Accidents
Unsecured cargo is a very serious type of harm. This is because unsecured cargo off of a tractor trailer could cause crushing injuries which are always medical emergencies. Unsecured cargo off of an 18 wheeler could also cause serious brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones in collisions when the cargo creates hazards in the roadways.
Since trucking is an interstate business, a federal agency known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs the securement of cargo. Specifically, 49 CFR section 392.9 provides the requirements for truck drivers to check their cargo to prevent it from slipping sliding, or otherwise dislodging and causing a hazard.
Truck drivers must inspect their cargo at three specific times:
- Before starting out on a delivery or trip, this means right after the truck was loaded and ready to go the truck driver himself or herself must check, and
- Once within the 50 first miles of the delivery or trip, the truck driver must check the cargo to ensure that it is properly secured and there are no lines lose or cargo slipping, and
- At a reexamination event which is whatever comes first:
- When the truck driver changes status from off duty to on duty, or on duty to off duty, the truck driver must check the cargo
- After the truck has been driven for three hours
- After the truck has been driven for 150 miles.
Once the truck driver hits on of these timeframes or requirements, the truck driver must do checks.
Injured by Unsecured Cargo? We Can Help
Unsecured cargo is a serious threat and a top danger that could result in very serious and devastating personal injuries. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured by unsecured cargo, call to schedule your FREE appointment with our lawyers at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. by dialing (505) 308-1556. We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 308-1556 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.
