Large trucks present a greater danger on major highways than smaller vehicles. The size and force of a tractor-trailer means that catastrophic and fatal injuries are much more likely if a collision occurs. Another type of hazard associated with commercial vehicle accidents is the release of cargo onto the road due to poorly secured items, or the impact of a crash.
A high center of gravity and strong momentum make these big rigs harder to stop and more prone to rollovers. One example of this occurred on October 10 at the interchange of two New Jersey’s most important roads. When a tractor-trailer overturned spilling the lumber it was carrying onto I-287 at the entrance ramp for the New Jersey Turnpike, numerous motorists were affected while the payload was removed from the highway.
Dropped cargo can trigger secondary collisions, obstruct emergency response and expose others on the road to life-threatening hazards. For this reason, federal regulations specifically address the securement of lumber and other building materials. Heavy, stackable cargo like lumber must be restrained to resist forward, rearward and lateral forces stemming from hard braking and evasive turns. Depending on the specific circumstances, appropriate tiedowns, blocking, and friction might be required. Low visibility, wet roadways and congested merge areas, such as entrance and exit ramps, magnify the risk of a serious spill.
If you or a family member was hurt in a truck accident involving items that were dropped on the road, it is important to retain a lawyer with experience handling complex personal injury claims. Your lawyer can start a thorough investigation immediately to assess if an equipment failure or improperly secured cargo contributed to the incident. Dashcam footage might provide an indication as to how the spill occurred. Inspection records might also be useful to determine if proper payload securement practices were used.
Seigel Law in Ridgewood represents New Jersey clients who have been injured by in collisions involving semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles. Our firm has collected more than $500 million for victims and their loved ones. For a free consultation with a proven truck accident attorney, please call 201-444-4000 or contact us online.