Unsafe or Unsecured Loads

All across the nation, trucks may lose items from their unsecured loads causing obstacles on the road that other drivers must swerve around. When this extreme driving action results in an accident, it might be possible to hold the liable party financially responsible for any damages or injuries.

Washington state laws require “the operator of a vehicle transporting solid waste to a staffed transfer station or landfill to secure or cover the vehicle’s waste in a manner that will prevent spillage.” Furthermore, these laws state: “No vehicle shall be driven or moved on any public highway unless such vehicle is so constructed or loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping.” (RCW 46.61.655). Regulations for securing loads on log trucks, in particular, are very detailed in Washington.

Contact us at 206.624.8844 for diligent advocacy from seasoned personal injury attorneys.

Truck Accident Injury Lawyers

Can laws such as these be applied to your car, truck or motorcycle accident caused by falling debris on a street or highway in Washington? Violation of trucking regulations may mean that there was negligence on the part of the truck driver and/or other parties such as the trucking company, a loading dock operation or a truck manufacturer.

At Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC, our Seattle unsafe load accident lawyers understand the hazards that can be caused by items on the roadway. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident when a truck’s load unexpectedly spilled into your driving path, it is important to seek the counsel of an experienced lawyer. Our firm has the legal knowledge and the trial skills necessary to guide you to a successful resolution.

Seattle Unsecured Load Lawyer

Unsecured loads lead to numerous injuries every year when items fall out of trucks and off cars, causing serious accidents and even deaths. A study from the Government Accountability Office found that unsecured loads and road debris caused more than 51,000 accidents, 10,000 injuries, and 440 deaths in the United States in 2010. If you rent a U-Haul or other vehicle for a move, it is important that you have the proper equipment to make certain that your load is secured to prevent injuries and deaths to other people using the roadways. Do not assume that a load will not fall out because it is heavy or because you are only traveling a short distance. Check your load before leaving and make certain that it is properly secured.

There are several scenarios that can prove to be dangerous for drivers on roadways. Any type of load on a truck that is unsecured can become unsafe, including:

• Pickup trucks with landscaping equipment that might fall off
• Dump trucks loaded with rocks that might spill onto the road
• Flatbed trucks with bulldozers or other heavy machinery where dirt and rocks might fall off
• Pickup trucks with unbalanced or unsafe loads of furniture or other household products
• U-Haul, Enterprise, Penske, National Van Lines, Budget, Reliable Moving or other moving vans with unsecured rear doors

These are examples of scenarios that can lead to an unsafe road and the potential for serious accidents and injuries. If you were in a motor vehicle accident caused by items falling off of trucks, it is important to hold the responsible party accountable for its actions.

Compensation for Injuries Caused by Unsecured Loads

If you or a family member were injured or killed due to another driver’s unsecured or escaped load, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the harm caused by the other driver’s escaped load. Washington law allows for the recovery of compensation for pain and suffering, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages, medical expenses, and many other types of damages for injuries caused by the failure to secure a load. The type of compensation that you may be able to recover will depend on the specific facts of your claim. Our lawyers offer a free claim evaluation to help you determine the types of damages you may recover for the harm caused by an unsecured load.

Contact Us

For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced personal injury lawyer regarding accidents caused by unsafe or unsecured loads, please contact us.