Accidents Caused by Items Falling from Trucks or Trailers

Motorists on Florida highways face many different types of hazards on the road, which, unfortunately, include items falling from trucks and trailers. When items fall off the back of a truck and cause an accident with another vehicle on the road, the consequences are often devastating, resulting in serious personal injuries, death, and property damage. If you or someone close to you has been injured in an accident caused by something that fell off of a truck, you may be entitled to compensation for your harms and losses. At The Lawrence Law Group, our experienced Jacksonville truck accident attorneys can navigate you through the distinct issues that come with truck accident claims and lawsuits. We recognize the wide range of challenges that victims face and are able to aggressively advocate on their behalf.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), more than 200,000 automobile crashes caused by items falling from other vehicles took place nationally between 2011 and 2014. These accidents resulted in more than 500 deaths and approximately 40,000 injuries. The report provided that approximately 37 percent of all fatal road debris crashes occurred because a following driver had to swerve to avoid an object, overcorrected, and lost control of the vehicle. In addition, AAA emphasizes that crashes involving falling debris are more likely to happen on interstate highways.

In Jacksonville, we have seen news reports of these types of accidents and the tragic consequences that occur. For example, in February of 2014, a tractor trailer swerved to avoid a ladder that had fallen in the travel lanes of Interstate 295 on the Buckman Bridge. The eighteen wheeler then struck a pickup truck causing it to fall into the St. Johns River. Two occupants in the pickup were killed.

Overloading or improperly loading a truck’s trailer increases the risk of a rollover, a jackknife accident, or tire failure, and it may also cause the driver to lose control of the truck. Pursuant to Florida Statute 316.525, both commercial and non-commercial drivers have a duty to take reasonable measures to properly secure cargo being transported. Florida Statute 316.520 outlines the obligation of every owner and driver to prevent materials from falling out of, blowing off of, or leaving the vehicle in any other manner. This obligation typically includes strapping cargo securely and effectively distributing the load’s weight.

Falling cargo accidents often result in serious and long-term injuries. Items falling from trucks or trailers may lead to lacerations, broken ribs, fractured bones, neck and back injuries, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, and death.

The impact of a falling debris accident may be financially devastating as well. Under Florida law, a truck accident victim can recover damages, including medical bills, lost income, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. Accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts are necessary to prove how the accident occurred and the resulting injuries or wrongful death.

If you were injured, or have tragically lost a loved one due to items falling off a truck or trailer, our Jacksonville trucking accident lawyers can help. At The Lawrence Law Group, our truck and motor vehicle collision attorneys are committed to pursuing the compensation our clients deserve. We proudly represent truck accident victims throughout Northeast Florida, including Duval, Clay, Baker, Nassau, Flagler, St. Johns, Putnam, Brevard, Union, Columbia, Suwannee, Hamilton, Jefferson, Volusia, and Alachua Counties. For a free initial consultation, call us at 904-632-0077 or contact us online.