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A big rig involved in an accident on the West Loop South Freeway in Houston caused major delays for drivers. The truck accident happened on 610 near the Galleria. Police were investigating the incident but initial reports indicate that there were no injuries. The semi-truck reportedly lost its load. These types of crashes are particularly dangerous, so it is lucky that nobody was hurt. Unfortunately, these kinds of accidents occur all too often.
Big Trucks Carry Heavy Loads
Semi-trucks are big and are allowed to carry heavy loads. They can carry up to 80,000 pounds in some cases. Commercial vehicles are required to comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. When vehicles do not follow the law they may cause a danger to others on the road.
There are several factors that may cause trucks to lose their loads. Although they are allowed to carry heavy freight, the weight must be properly distributed within the trailer. When the items are not evenly distributed they can make it difficult to steer the rig. Similarly, when the load is not adequately secured, it can shift while it is being transported.
Shifting freight can cause the driver to lose control. Freight can shift for a number of reasons such as when the truck makes a sudden stop or changes lanes quickly. These sudden actions cause the unsecured load to move and may force the truck in a different direction. When that happens, the driver may be completely unable to gain control.
When an open trailer carries a load, it must be properly secured. If not, the truck may actually begin to lose its load along the road. This causes a serious and dangerous condition for other drivers. For example, steel poles, lumber, and other materials have been known to come loose and cause accidents. Some trucks are required to cover their loads, such as some that carry gravel or dirt.
Accidents Caused by Lost Loads
When a truck loses its load or the load shifts, the driver has to try to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. This is often a very difficult task. Sometimes the truck veers into oncoming traffic or crashes into the side of an embankment. The truck may swerve wildly and crash into other vehicles along the way. If you see a truck with a problem, slow down and get out of the way. If you are involved in a truck accident, you may be seriously hurt. If you were hurt in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the negligent party. The truck driver or the trucking company may be negligent in these types of cases.
Contact a Houston truck accident attorney as soon after the accident as possible. Your attorney will review the details of the case and gather evidence to support your case. You may be entitled to money for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact a Houston lawyer for a truck accident for a free case consultation today. (281) 893-0760
Texas Department of Motor Safety Commercial Vehicle Enforcement https://www.dps.texas.gov/InternetForms/Forms/MCS-9.pdf
FMCSA https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations
