El Paso Lawyer for Overloaded Truck Accidents

Truck Accident Attorney Serving Texas and New Mexico

There are a lot of things that can go wrong when a truck driver or the company they work for is careless about safety issues. Loading the truck properly is an important part of responsible operation for trucking companies and their employees. When a truck is improperly loaded, or when the cargo is not correctly secured, the odds of a dangerous accident skyrocket. Overloaded trucks are more prone to causing their driver to lose control, and improper securing of the cargo can lead to dropped loads.

If you were injured in a truck accident, the Cal Mundell Law Firm, PLLC may be able to recover compensation on your behalf. The types of injuries associated with truck accidents are often severe or catastrophic. This can mean that the people injured are suddenly faced with massive medical bills, likely while losing income due to an inability to return to work right away. Our goal is to ensure that you receive all the compensation you need to cover the costs and losses associated with the accident.

Texas Lawyer for Overloaded Truck Accidents and Dropped Cargo

Overloading a truck is dangerous, and trucking companies know this. When a truck is carrying too much weight, it becomes more difficult for the driver to retain control over the vehicle. Even a diligent driver may lose control when negotiating a turn, or they may be unable to stop in time when the truck is carrying an inappropriate amount of weight. Rollover accidents and jackknifing are also risks associated with overloaded trucks. When a truck crashes into a passenger vehicle, the occupants of the smaller car have very little protection. Catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, commonly occur.

Another major risk of loading a truck past reasonable capacity is the possibility of dropping cargo. In some cases, the door at the back of the truck will come open when heavy cargo slides into it, particularly while the driver is accelerating. This can cause the truck's cargo to fall out into the street, where other drivers may be unable to avoid it.

Trucks with an open cargo hold, such as those used to transport logs, can be even more dangerous when overloaded. Truck drivers generally rely on straps to hold their cargo in place. These straps may fail if they were not properly fastened or if the cargo is too heavy or too large to secure in this manner.

Dropping cargo is quite common in these cases, and fallen cargo can be extraordinarily dangerous to other drivers. Items may strike the vehicles behind or beside the truck, resulting in severe injuries for occupants. Rarely is there enough warning for drivers to dodge falling cargo. Items can also create dangerous obstacles that obstruct traffic, which may result in collisions involving multiple vehicles.

Lawyer Fighting for Compensation After a Trucking Accident

If you have been injured in a dropped cargo or overloaded truck accident, Cal may be able to recover compensation for you by filing a personal injury lawsuit. The cost of a truck accident can be immense when you begin to truly tally up both the economic and noneconomic consequences. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses - This includes not only your initial hospital bill, but also the cost of any follow-up or future care you will need. Those with catastrophic injuries may need long term care, and they may be compensated for these costs.
• Lost wages - You can be compensated for income you lose while you are unable to work. If you will not be able to return to your career and must take a lower-paying job or cannot work at all, the full difference in what you would have earned and what you will be able to earn following the accident can be included in your award or settlement.
• Noneconomic damages - This includes pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment in life.

Contact an El Paso Truck Accident Attorney

If you were injured due to an overloaded truck or dropped cargo, the Cal Mundell Law Firm, PLLC may be able to recover substantial compensation on your behalf. Contact us at 915-250-0700 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you will not need to pay for our services unless we are able to recover funds for you.