New Jersey Improper Cargo Loading Truck Accident Lawyer

Every year, countless truck accidents result from improper cargo loading — a potentially deadly oversight. When truck loads are not secured correctly, the consequences can be catastrophic, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

If you’ve been injured in an accident that occurred due to an improperly loaded truck, you might be eligible for compensation that can help you get your life back on track.

These cases are difficult, though, often involving multiple parties — from the driver to the cargo loader to the trucking company to their insurers. That’s why you need an experienced New Jersey improper cargo loading truck accident lawyer by your side. Before we get into that, though, let’s talk about how these dangerous accidents occur in the first place.

The Dangers of Improper Cargo Loading

Improper cargo loading poses significant risks to truck drivers and other motorists. When cargo is not loaded correctly, it can shift during transport, causing the truck to become unbalanced and increasing the risk of accidents.

Unbalanced or overloaded trucks are more prone to rollovers due to uneven weight distribution. Even a slight shift in the load can make it difficult for the driver to maintain control, especially during sudden turns or maneuvers. This can lead to different types of accidents, including:

Rollover Accidents. When a truck becomes unbalanced due to shifting cargo, it can tip over, potentially crushing smaller vehicles.
Cargo Spills. Unsecured cargo can fall onto the road, creating hazardous obstacles for other drivers.
Jackknife Accidents. Unbalanced loads can cause the trailer to swing out, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab, leading to a jackknife accident.

Regardless of the type of accident, the consequences of improper cargo loading can be severe. They might include:

Injuries and Fatalities. Truck accidents caused by shifting cargo often result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Property Damage. Improperly loaded cargo can cause extensive damage to vehicles and infrastructure.
Hazardous Material Spills. If the cargo contains hazardous materials, spills can lead to environmental damage and health risks for nearby communities.

To prevent these accidents, truck drivers and cargo loaders must adhere to federal guidelines and best practices for loading and securing cargo to prevent these dangerous accidents. Unfortunately, these regulations are often ignored, leading to accidents like yours.

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Your Rights and Legal Options

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by improperly loaded cargo, there are legal rights in place to protect you. It’s crucial to understand these rights and the legal options available to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

First of all, as a victim of a truck accident, you are entitled to recover monetary damages. Trucking companies and cargo loaders may be held liable for accidents caused by their negligence. That said, acting quickly is essential, as your case is likely subject to a two-year filing window, and critical evidence needs to be preserved.

With that in mind, there are several types of compensation your New Jersey lawyer might pursue after an improper cargo loading truck accident. Let’s take a look at them now.

Types of Compensation

Compensation can cover a range of losses, including:

Medical Expenses. Reimbursement for past, current, and future medical treatments related to injuries sustained in the accident.
Lost Wages. Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work, extending to future lost earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering. Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress experienced due to the accident.
Property Damage. Reimbursement for repair or replacement of personal property damaged in the accident.
Loss of Consortium. Compensation for the spouse or family of the victim for the loss of companionship and assistance.
Punitive Damages. In cases of especially harmful conduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

Securing these damages can be difficult, though — it’s absolutely not a given. You’ll need a New Jersey attorney with experience in trying improper cargo loading truck crashes to maximize your chances of recovery.

How a Lawyer Can Help You

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by improper cargo loading, an experienced lawyer in New Jersey can provide invaluable assistance in navigating the complex legal process and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Here’s what the process looks like:

During an initial consultation, a skilled lawyer will listen to your account of the accident, assess your case’s merits, and advise you on the best course of action. They will explain your rights and legal options.

Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering crucial evidence such as cargo loading records, witness statements, and expert opinions. They will collaborate with industry experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, to support your claim.

Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting. Your lawyer has the experience to negotiate on your behalf, ensuring fair assessment and honoring of your claim. If necessary, they are prepared to fight for your rights in court.

Ultimately, the goal of your legal team is to secure compensation for your accident and hold the responsible parties accountable, but they can’t do it alone. Let’s take a look at how you’ll partner with your lawyers to make the best case for recovery.

Steps to Secure Compensation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by improper cargo loading, taking the right steps with a New Jersey attorney can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Collecting evidence is crucial. Take photos of the accident scene, injuries, and property damage. Obtain a copy of the police report and gather witness statements. Your attorney can help acquire important documents such as the truck driver’s logbooks and inspection reports.

Expert witnesses provide invaluable support in strengthening your case. The key experts in truck accident cases that GGL might secure include:

Accident Reconstruction Specialists. These experts analyze the cause and sequence of events leading to the crash.
Medical Experts. These professionals testify about the severity of your injuries and long-term implications.
Vocational Experts. These authorities evaluate how the accident impacts your earning capacity and career prospects.

Your attorney will work with these experts to build a compelling case.

Your case may go to trial, if a fair settlement is not obtained. Having skilled legal representation is essential. Your lawyer will:

Prepare and file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Gather and present evidence to support your claim.
Cross-examine witnesses and challenge opposing arguments.
Advocate for your rights and fight for maximum compensation.

Truck accident cases are complex and time-consuming — trust us, you don’t want to try and do this alone. Having an experienced attorney specializing in these claims is crucial.

Injured in a Truck Accident Caused by Improperly Loaded Cargo in New Jersey? A GGL Attorney Can Help

Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq has recovered over $1 billion for our clients. Our New Jersey improper cargo loading truck accident lawyers stand ready to advocate for you as if you were our own family member, and we will fight aggressively to secure the maximum compensation for you.

If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident caused by improperly loaded cargo, remember that the window for seeking justice is narrow. Contact Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq online today, or give us a call at 800-923-3456 to get started on the road to recovery. And remember, you don’t pay anything unless we win.