As the population of Broward County continues to rise, more and more large trucks can be found transporting goods on our streets and highways. Accidents involving large trucks can be catastrophic. We trust truck drivers to travel safely and securely. Unfortunately, many accidents occur each day in Broward County because of truck drivers’ negligence.
Compensation may be available if you suffered an accident because of a truck driver’s careless behavior. There are numerous forms of negligence that can lead to trucking accidents. Our Broward County truck accident lawyers can help establish fault on behalf of a truck driver or their employer.
If you were injured because of a truck driver’s negligence, get help from our experienced Broward County truck accident lawyers today by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (954) 951-4828 for a free case review.
General Cargo Securement Rules for Commercial Trucks in Broward County, FL
Cargo securement rules are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). There are several general rules truck drivers and their employers must abide by when securing their cargo. Failure to properly secure cargo in a commercial truck cane lead to crashes. Our Broward County truck accident lawyers can help establish liability on behalf of a truck driver or trucking company that failed to properly secure their load.
Cargo must be firmly immobilized or secured within a vehicle by structures of adequate strength. Articles of cargo that are likely to roll should be restrained. The means of restraint must not be susceptible to becoming unfastened while the vehicle is in transit. Furthermore, cargo places beside each other and secured by tie downs should be:
- Placed in direct contact with each other, or
- Prevented from shifting towards each other while in transit.
There are numerous other specific requirements that must be adhered to when truck drivers and trucking companies are securing cargo. Any failure to abide by these requirements constitutes negligence on behalf of truck drivers and their employers.
Proper Use of Tiedowns for Commercial Trucks in Broward County, FL
A common form of negligence committed by truck drivers and their employers is the failure to properly tie down cargo in their trucks. Requirements for cargo securement devices are also set forth by the FMCSA.
Improper cargo securement can lead to serious trucking accidents. Our Broward County truck accident lawyers can hold truckers who fail to follow requirements for cargo securement devices liable for accidents they cause. There are numerous requirements pertaining to cargo securement devices for commercial trucks in Broward County.
What is a Tiedown?
The FMCSA defined a tiedown as a combination of securing devices that form an assembly that attaches cargo to or restrains cargo on a vehicle while attached to anchor points. The following items are considered tiedowns by the FMCSA:
- Chains
- Webbings
- Binders
- D-rings
- Ropes
- Shackles
- Webbing ratchets
The use of tiedowns is required to ensure that cargo is secured safely on a commercial truck. Failure to use tiedowns can cause accidents.
Proper Use of Tiedowns
Each tiedown must be attached and secured in a way that prevents it from unfastening, coming loose, opening, or releasing while the truck is in motion. All tiedowns used to secure loads on a trailer equipped with rub rails must be located inside of the rub rails whenever reasonable. Additionally, edge protection must be used to protect tie downs from abrasion or wearing down.
Truck accident victims may recover damages from truck drivers who fail to properly secure their loads. Our Broward County truck accident lawyers can help gather evidence to show a crash was caused by an improper use of tiedowns.
Use of Unmarked Tiedowns
The use of unmarked tiedowns is allowed. However, truck drivers can be held liable for accidents caused by the improper use of an unmarked tiedown. For instance, marked tiedowns such as chains will have a weight rating on them. Unmarked chains are assumed to have a weight rating equal to that of a grade 30 proof coil. If a truck driver uses an unmarked chain to tiedown a load that surpasses that assumed weight rating, the truck driver can be liable for an accident he causes.
Other types of unmarked tiedowns will also have an assumed working load limit. Our Broward County truck accident lawyers can investigate if an accident was caused by improper use of an unmarked tiedown.
Common Injuries Sustained in Trucking Accidents in Broward County, FL
There is a wide array of injuries that may be sustained by truck accident victims in Broward County. Furthermore, many victims suffer injuries with lifelong consequences. Our Broward County truck accident lawyers can help recover the compensation you deserve if you suffered any of the following injuries because of a negligent truck driver:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury is an injury that affects how the brain works. Such injuries are frequently caused by a blow to the head. Trucking accidents are a common cause of traumatic brain injury.
Many traumatic brain injuries have lifelong symptoms. Our Broward County truck accident lawyers can help recover monetary damages for the past, current, and future cost of medical treatment for a traumatic brain injury.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common injury suffered by truck accident victims. The size of the vehicles involved in a truck accident can create a more intense impact. Accordingly, broken bones can occur.
Back Injuries
Furthermore, back injuries are also frequently suffered in trucking accidents. Some back injuries will involve painful soft tissue injuries such as strains and sprains. In more serious cases, spinal cord damage can occur. Spinal cord damage can cause immobility and even complete paralysis.
Burns
In some trucking accidents, the vehicles or the cargo being transported can catch on fire. In such cases, trucking accident victims may suffer severe burns and scarring. Burn injuries may require expensive surgical treatment and skin grafting to heal properly.
If You Were Injured in a Truck Accident in Broward County, FL, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured because of a truck driver’s negligence, get help pursuing the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced Broward County truck accident lawyers today by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (954) 951-4828 for a free case review.