At any given time of the day or night, Chicago's thoroughfares may be handling high volumes of big-rig truck traffic. Sharing the road with large tractor trailers can be both challenging and intimidating. This is due in part to the fact that the average passenger vehicle is so much smaller than these huge vehicles. A collision involving a semitrailer and an ordinary car will almost always be more serious for the car.
But automobile drivers must also be aware of the cargo that these trucks carry. A load that is not properly secured could very easily fall from a trailer onto the road or onto another vehicle. But what are the requirements placed on truck companies and drivers to ensure loads are secure?
In order to lessen the likelihood of such catastrophes, the truck drivers and trucking companies are required to follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations regarding load securement. Here are some of the requirements to which companies and drivers must adhere:
- Devices used for load securement purposes, such as chains and tarps, must be secured.
- The cargo must be distributed and secured properly.
- Loads should be inspected within the initial 50 miles of travel and any necessary securement adjustments should be made.
- There can be no obstructions blocking the driver's view of any side of the vehicle.
- Securement devices and loads must be re-examined and readjusted as necessary throughout the trip.
These are just some of the federally required steps that must be followed. Should a company or a driver fail to abide by these rules, an improperly secured load could fall onto the roadway and cause an accident that leaves victims seriously injured.
If you or a loved one is ever hurt by falling cargo from a tractor-trailer, you may need to pursue compensation for medical expenses. An Illinois truck accident attorney could investigate the incident to determine liability. The attorney could advise you on the possible avenues of gaining recompense.