All too often, trucking companies and their drivers fail to secure and distribute items per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules, leading to lost loads. An uneven load may shift and push improperly locked trailer doors open. Items not strapped down tightly enough to a flatbed may eventually come loose. If the trailer is not properly hitched (or the hitch is not well maintained), the entire thing may break away from the truck. Whatever the case, lost load semi-truck accidents can be devastating for everyone involved.
How to Avoid Being Hurt in a Lost Load Accident
If you find yourself driving near an 18-wheeler, use the following tips to reduce your risk of ending up in a lost load crash.
Avoid Lingering Around Semi-Trucks for Long—Especially in Blind Spots
The best way to steer clear of a truck accident is to limit the amount of time you spend driving near them. If you plan to pass an 18-wheeler, make sure you can do so safely and complete your pass as soon as possible. Avoid sitting in any of its four blind spots: 20 feet in front, 30 feet in back, and a wide area on each side that extends diagonally back across the other lanes.
If You Have to Remain Behind the Truck, Stay Back
If you cannot pass the truck safely, it’s a good idea to hang back. You know your own reaction time, so give yourself enough space to recognize danger and react defensively in the case of a lost load.
Watch for (and Report) Signs of Trouble
Keep your eye out for any suspicious details while driving near tractor trailers. If you see that something is loose or a trailer is wobbling from uneven weight distribution, try to pass or stay far back from that truck. To help prevent future 18-wheeler accidents, report any concerns you have to the number printed on the truck.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Crash
The first thing you should worry about after a crash is the health and safety of you and your passengers. Call 911 right away and let them know if you need medical assistance. Make sure police get a thorough report, and, if you are able, take as many notes and photos as you can on your own.
You should also contact a lawyer with expertise in trucking accidents as soon as possible. It’s typically a good idea to talk with an attorney before you even contact your car or health insurance companies, as they can help you avoid common issues before they start.
Hurt in a Lost Load Accident? Get a Free Consultation with an Attorney
If you’ve been injured as a result of a semi-truck losing its load, you need help to ensure you get the full compensation you are owed. With an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer from Johnson Garcia, LLP, you can rest easy knowing that we’re looking out for your rights as a victim while you focus on healing.
Not sure whether you have a case? Contact us today at (832) 844-6700 to schedule a free evaluation.
