Unfortunately, truck accidents are common in the bustling commercial corridors of San Antonio. Lost-load truck accidents represent a serious hazard, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. When cargo becomes unsecured and spills onto the roadway, it creates immediate and hazardous obstacles for other drivers, usually leading to multi-vehicle collisions, rollovers, and severe bodily injuries.
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our San Antonio lost load accident lawyers are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and securing full compensation for victims. Whether you were hit by falling cargo or injured while trying to avoid debris, we have the experience, resources, and courtroom grit to protect your legal rights.
What is a Lost Load Truck Accident?
A lost load accident happens when cargo transported by a commercial truck becomes dislodged or falls onto the roadway. These incidents can be caused by:
- Improperly secured cargo
- Overloaded trailers
- Driver negligence or sudden braking
- Faulty securing devices or trailer design
- Failure to follow FMCSA regulations
The sheer size and weight of commercial loads mean even a minor slip-up in securing the cargo can lead to devastating consequences. As your San Antonio lost load accident attorneys, we thoroughly investigate every case to identify the liable parties: the truck driver, shipping company, or third-party maintenance providers.
Lost Load Accident Statistics and Legal Landscape in San Antonio, TX
Lost load accidents, in which cargo falls from vehicles onto roadways, have increased by 18% in San Antonio over the past year, with 143 reported incidents. These accidents primarily occur on major thoroughfares, including I-10, I-35, and Loop 1604, particularly at interchanges and construction zones where sudden braking or lane changes are common.
Texas Department of Transportation data shows that approximately 30% of these incidents involve commercial vehicles, while 70% are attributed to inadequately secured loads on personal vehicles. Construction materials, furniture, and landscaping equipment are the most commonly reported lost loads that cause accidents.
Under Texas law, vehicle operators and loading companies are responsible for properly securing cargo. The state follows Transportation Code Section 725.021, which requires all loads to be secured to prevent dropping, shifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping the vehicle.
San Antonio court rulings have established precedent for liability extending to third-party loading companies and employers who failed to provide proper training or equipment for load securement. The Texas comparative negligence system allows recovery even when victims bear partial responsibility, provided they are not more than 50% at fault.
Local regulations now require additional inspections for commercial vehicles traveling through San Antonio, focusing on load securement. Violations have increased by 25% since implementation.
Compensation in lost load cases typically addresses vehicle damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Recent settlements have averaged $45,000 to $ 90,000, depending on the severity of the injury and the extent of property damage, with more substantial awards in cases involving catastrophic injuries.
Why Lost Load Truck Accidents are So Dangerous
Lost load truck accidents pose a significant danger on San Antonio roads because they occur suddenly and leave drivers with little time to react. When cargo becomes unsecured and spills onto the roadway, it can strike other vehicles or create hazardous obstacles that force drivers to swerve, brake hard, or collide with other cars, often resulting in multi-vehicle pileups.
These accidents frequently lead to severe and life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage or paralysis
- Complex fractures and broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Deep lacerations and soft tissue damage
- Fatal injuries in high-speed collisions
If you or someone you love has been injured in one of these incidents, speak with a San Antonio lost load accident lawyer as soon as possible. Early legal intervention is crucial for securing evidence and establishing a strong case for full compensation.
Causes of Lost Load Truck Accidents in San Antonio, TX
Our San Antonio lost load accident attorneys have handled numerous cases involving:
- Improperly secured cargo: Cargo that is not strapped, tied, or properly balanced is a significant cause of accidents.
- Overloaded trailers: Exceeding weight limits can destabilize the truck and increase the chance of cargo displacement.
- Failure to follow FMCSA regulations: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates specific load securement practices.
- Driver error: Speeding, reckless driving, or distracted driving can contribute to sudden load shifts.
- Negligence by third-party loading companies: In some cases, third parties may be responsible for incorrectly loading and securing cargo.
If you’re unsure who is liable in your case, a lost load accident lawyer in San Antonio from Hollingsworth Law Firm will thoroughly investigate and identify all responsible parties.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Lost Load Accident?
Determining liability in lost-load truck accidents requires a thorough understanding of trucking industry regulations. Potentially liable parties include:
- Truck drivers – for failing to inspect their loads before and during the trip
- Trucking companies – for pressuring drivers to cut corners or failing to maintain safety standards
- Cargo loading companies – for improper securing or placement of cargo
- Vehicle or equipment manufacturers for producing defective restraints or trailers
Our San Antonio lost load accident lawyers work to uncover the chain of responsibility and pursue justice against all negligent parties.
What to Do After a Lost Load Truck Accident in San Antonio, TX
Taking the proper steps after an accident can significantly impact the success of your injury claim. Here’s what we advise:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Prioritize your health and create medical records.
- Call Law Enforcement – Ensure an official police report is filed.
- Document the Scene – Take photos or videos if it’s safe.
- Collect Witness Information – Eyewitness accounts can be crucial in proving negligence.
- Speak to a Lawyer – A qualified lost load accident attorney in San Antonio can help protect your rights from the beginning.
How Our San Antonio Lost Load Accident Attorneys Can Help
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our legal team has decades of experience handling complex truck accident cases, including claims involving lost loads. We can assist you by:
- Launching a full-scale investigation into the accident
- Collecting and preserving crucial evidence, such as dashcam footage, cargo manifests, or maintenance records
- Working with accident reconstruction and trucking industry professionals
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Taking your case to trial, if needed, to secure maximum compensation
With our experienced lost load truck accident attorneys in San Antonio, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re gaining a committed advocate ready to protect your rights.
Why Choose Hollingsworth Law Firm?
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we are proud to be recognized among the most trusted truck accident attorneys in San Antonio. Our clients choose us because:
- We offer free, no-obligation consultations
- We work on a contingency fee basis, and you don’t pay unless we win
- We have recovered millions for injury victims across Texas.
- We understand the complexities of trucking laws and federal regulations.
- We are recognized for our tough negotiations and aggressive litigation.
Whether you were injured on I-10, I-35, Loop 410, or another San Antonio roadway, our firm is ready to defend your rights.
Speak With a Lost Load Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Today
If you or someone you love has been injured by falling cargo or a dislodged load from a commercial truck, it’s time to act. At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our lost load accident attorneys in San Antonio are ready to demand justice and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact 210-361-3655 us today for a complimentary case evaluation and discover how we can help you take the initial step toward recovery.
