Cargo trucks can range from small box trucks to large tractor-trailers, or anything in between. As long as a vehicle is designed and used to haul goods, it’s considered a cargo truck. Cargo trucks used for commercial purposes in Nevada are required to comply with important safety regulations established by state law and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Many of these regulations directly affect what cargo can be transported, how cargo is loaded and secured on a truck, and how much a particular cargo truck can transport.
When trucking companies or truck drivers ignore these safety requirements, it can create dangerous situations that put the truck drivers and other motorists in harm’s way. If you’ve been hurt in a cargo truck accident in Nevada, you’ll want Benson & Bingham in your corner. You have rights as a victim, and our experienced Vegas semi truck accident lawyers can help you demand the compensation you deserve.
What Causes Most Cargo Truck Accidents in Vegas?
In our experience, most cargo truck accidents are related to:
Improperly and/or Unevenly Loaded Cargo
If cargo isn’t distributed evenly in or on a cargo truck, the vehicle is likely to be unbalanced. This can create both short-term and long-term consequences. In the present, unbalanced trucks are more difficult to drive and control and are much more likely to jackknife or rollover during transit. Over time, unbalanced loads can put unnecessary stress on the vehicle’s suspension, cause damage to braking elements, cause the frame to twist, and contribute to tire blowouts.
Unsecured Cargo
The FMCSA has specific protocols and requirements for not only loading cargo on a truck, but securing it on or in the vehicle or trailer, as well. If cargo isn’t secured properly, it can shift or realign during transportation or, in some cases, fall from the truck during travel. If cargo moves or falls off the truck, it can cause the driver to lose control or create a road hazard that trailing vehicles can crash into.
Negligent Vehicle Maintenance
Cargo trucks have to be in proper working condition to haul goods and materials safely. If a truck owner forgoes regular inspections or fails to perform necessary maintenance on the tires, brakes, suspension, axles, and tie-downs, those components can degrade to the point at which the vehicle can’t safely transport anything.
Beyond the cargo itself, some cargo truck accidents can also be attributed to speeding, distracted driving, driver fatigue and impairment, and potholes and other road defects.
Get Help Recovering Compensation For Your Cargo Truck Accident Injuries in Las Vegas, NV
When you get into an accident with a cargo truck in Las Vegas, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer near you. Like other types of truck accident cases, those involving cargo trucks can be tough thanks to complex matters of liability and the application of highly specific safety regulations. There’s no substitute for working with a compassionate Las Vegas wrongful death attorney who understands these issues and knows what it will take to make your case a success.
It’s why victims of cargo and box truck accidents in Las Vegas turn to Benson & Bingham. Our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys have helped crash victims and families across the state win hundreds of millions of dollars in monetary awards. We can help you make the most of your cargo truck accident case, too.
Contact our law offices throughout Nevada to schedule a free case review to learn more.