Overturned Louisiana Truck Spills Cargo and Closes Highway 45

Headlines like this are a daily occurrence in Louisiana, with thousands of semi-trailers crisscrossing the state and carrying the most diverse freight, from produce to cars, steel coils to electronics, and chemicals to chickens. Trucks present a risk for passenger car drivers because of their size and weight. The maximum gross weight of a truck is 80,000 lbs., and the freight load can reach 50,000 lbs.

That is a lot of weight to carry around. What do you think happens when cargo gets loose and starts shifting?

Securing (or stowing) cargo on a semi-trailer is a fundamental responsibility of the truck driver and the motor carrier. Apart from driving, this is the most critical element in their assignment to bring the freight safely to its destination. While driver training remains essential, it can become problematic when the carrier hauls very different types of cargo, for they all have specific requirements for securing a load. A half-full tank of liquid bulk cargo will create a massive forward push if the truck comes to a brutal standstill. A top heavy car transporter could flip over on a sharp curve, while steel coils will roll onto the roadway when the straps get loose and snap due to vibrations.

Cargo spillage and shifting can be devastating, taking all oncoming vehicles by complete surprise and creating havoc on the motorway. Freight carriers have a responsibility toward all those who share the road with their large trucks, risking death or severe injury by a cargo shift or spill. Federal regulations require truckers to stop and inspect cargo after the first 50 miles of travel and again after 150 miles or three hours.

An experienced law firm that focuses on Louisiana truck accidents can be an invaluable help in supporting your right to full compensation against negligent commercial carriers or untrained truck drivers.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Louisiana truck accident, immediately contact the Young Firm in New Orleans for a free consultation of your case at (504) 680-4100 (local) or (866) 660-7220 (toll free), or by sending an e-mail.