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Unsecured Cargo Truck Accident Attorney

Unsecured Cargo Truck Accident Lawyers

When a commercial truck loses control because its cargo wasn’t properly secured, lives can change in an instant. A single load shift or fallen object can trigger a highway disaster, leaving victims and their families struggling to understand what went wrong and how to recover.

At The Ammons Law Firm, we represent individuals and families who have suffered catastrophic harm in unsecured cargo truck accidents. These crashes can occur when freight is loaded improperly, tied down with defective straps or chains, or simply left unchecked during transit. Our truck accident attorneys investigate every detail, from loading records to safety inspections, to determine how the cargo became unstable and who may be legally responsible.

Whether the accident involved a flatbed truck, enclosed trailer, dump truck, or tanker, our firm has the experience and resources to handle the complex technical and legal issues these cases demand. We also address related claims within the broader scope of Types of Truck Accidents, where shifting loads, rollovers, and falling debris cause catastrophic injuries and loss of life.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Evidence can disappear quickly after these crashes, and taking action promptly may be important to preserving your legal rights.

How Unsecured Cargo Truck Accidents Happen

Cargo securement failures are among the most preventable causes of trucking accidents. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require loads to be properly contained, immobilized, and inspected throughout transport. When these standards are ignored, drivers and companies put every nearby motorist at risk.

Unsecured cargo accidents often involve:

  • Load shifts inside enclosed trailers that cause rollovers or jackknife events
  • Cargo falling from flatbeds or dump bodies, striking nearby vehicles or pedestrians
  • Defective or worn tie-downs, straps, or anchor points that fail under strain
  • Overloaded trailers or unbalanced cargo creating instability and steering loss
  • Lack of required pre-trip and en-route cargo inspections

Even a minor miscalculation in a truck’s center of gravity can have catastrophic effects. When a driver rounds a curve, brakes suddenly, or takes evasive action, unsecured freight can shift violently, throwing the truck off balance and causing it to overturn or scatter debris across the roadway.

A skilled truck accident lawyer can investigate whether the crash resulted from improper loading, defective equipment, or a failure to comply with FMCSA securement rules.

Common Injuries in Unsecured Cargo Collisions

The force of commercial cargo breaking free at highway speed can cause devastating injuries. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, debris on U.S. roads leads to tens of thousands of crashes and hundreds of deaths each year. When those incidents involve 80,000-pound tractor-trailers, the consequences are far more severe.

Victims of unsecured cargo truck crashes often sustain:

  • Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
  • Spinal cord damage or paralysis
  • Internal bleeding and organ trauma
  • Complex fractures and orthopedic injuries
  • Severe burns from spilled chemicals or fuel

These injuries frequently require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment. In the most tragic cases, families may pursue wrongful death claims when unsecured freight leads to fatal injuries.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an unsecured cargo accident, we encourage you to reach out. Our attorneys can review your situation and explain your options at no cost to you.

Contact us to learn how our truck accident attorneys can help you recover compensation for your injuries. 





Frequently Asked Questions About Unsecured Cargo Truck Accidents

  • What should I do immediately after an unsecured cargo accident?

    Seek medical attention and contact law enforcement to document the scene. If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the cargo, debris, and damage. Avoid discussing fault with the trucking company or insurer before speaking with an attorney.

  • Can multiple parties share fault for the same crash?

    Yes. Truck drivers, companies, shippers, and equipment manufacturers can all be partially responsible. An attorney can help allocate fault and pursue claims against all liable parties.

  • Do federal cargo securement rules apply to every truck?

    FMCSA standards apply to most commercial vehicles transporting cargo in interstate commerce. State laws may also impose additional securement and weight requirements.

  • How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?

    In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims also generally must be filed within two years. However, waiting too long can result in lost evidence, so we recommend consulting with an attorney as soon as possible.

  • What if the driver claims the cargo shift was unavoidable?

    Proper cargo securement is designed to prevent movement even during emergency maneuvers, sudden braking, or adverse road conditions. If cargo shifted or fell, it may indicate that securement procedures weren’t properly followed. Our investigation will focus on whether the load met federal safety standards.

  • How much is my case worth?

    The value of each case depends on many factors, including the severity of injuries, amount of medical expenses, lost income, degree of fault, and available insurance coverage. We can provide a more thorough evaluation after reviewing the details of your accident during a free consultation.

Who Is Liable in an Unsecured Cargo Truck Accident?

Liability in unsecured cargo cases often extends beyond the truck driver. Multiple entities may share fault for allowing an unsafe load onto the road.

Potentially responsible parties include:

  • Truck drivers who fail to perform or document pre-trip inspections
  • Motor carriers that ignore training requirements or provide defective securement gear
  • Shippers and loading contractors that overload or improperly brace freight
  • Freight brokers that hire unsafe carriers or neglect compliance checks
  • Manufacturers of defective tie-downs, anchor points, or trailer doors

Determining liability requires reviewing bills of lading, inspection logs, load manifests, and on-board telematics data. An experienced personal injury attorney can coordinate this evidence and work with engineers, reconstructionists, and cargo safety experts to uncover the truth.

Investigating an Unsecured Cargo Crash

Early investigation is crucial. Cargo debris, broken restraints, and inspection logs can disappear quickly after a crash, making it critical to secure evidence before cleanup.

Our attorneys and experts examine:

  • Cargo diagrams, weight tickets, and loading instructions
  • Electronic Control Module (ECM) and telematics data
  • Photos, drone footage, and roadway debris patterns
  • Tie-down equipment, anchor points, and doors for defects or fatigue
  • Driver logs and inspection records showing missed checks or violations

We collaborate with engineers and safety professionals to reconstruct the event and determine the chain of failures that caused the load to become unsecured. This evidence often forms the foundation for pursuing compensation through litigation or settlement.

Time is of the essence in these cases. Trucking companies and their insurers begin investigating immediately. Contact us as soon as possible after your accident so we can start preserving critical evidence on your behalf.

Legal Recovery After an Unsecured Load Accident

Victims of unsecured cargo truck accidents often face months or years of physical and financial recovery. Compensation may be available for:

  • Medical expenses and ongoing rehabilitation
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
  • Property damage and loss of use
  • Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Each case is unique, and an attorney can evaluate the evidence to determine which forms of recovery may apply. Legal consultation may be appropriate early in the process to preserve your rights and ensure proper investigation of the cargo and vehicle involved.

We handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is always free and confidential.

Understanding Federal Cargo Securement Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has established specific requirements for cargo securement under 49 CFR Part 393. These regulations address:

  • Minimum number and strength of tie-downs based on cargo weight
  • Securement methods for specific types of freight (logs, metal coils, heavy machinery, and other specialized cargo)
  • Requirements for inspections within the first 50 miles of a trip and every 150 miles or 3 hours thereafter
  • Standards for the condition and rated capacity of securement devices
  • Rules for blocking and bracing cargo to prevent movement

Violations of these federal standards can serve as important evidence in a personal injury claim. Our attorneys understand these technical requirements and how they apply to your case.

Our truck accident lawyers are here to help you. Contact us to learn how you can recover compensation after a truck accident.

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    Attorney Rob Ammons has not only handled some of the most complex tire defect cases but also wrote the book on how to properly litigate these types of cases.

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