Commercial trucks in Mississippi carry everything from construction materials to everyday goods. Federal and state regulations require freight to be secured adequately to prevent wrecks caused by loose or shifting cargo. When an improperly stowed load steers a truck off course or spills into oncoming traffic, the results for motorists can be heartbreaking.
At Mama Justice – MW Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how truck accidents leave victims with serious injuries, sky-high medical expenses, and lives turned upside down. Our experienced unsecured truck load lawyers know how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable for violations that break the law and leave injured individuals at the mercy of insurance companies to do the right thing and pay them fairly for their losses.
With millions recovered for truck accident victims, * our legal team will stand beside you through the fight for just compensation. If you suffered injuries in a Mississippi truck wreck, contact us today for a free consultation.
The Danger of Unsecured Loads on Mississippi Highways
Mississippi roads see heavy commercial truck traffic daily. Interstate highways, state routes, and local roads carry thousands of trucks hauling freight. Most truck drivers navigate these roads safely, but unsecured cargo can turn a routine commute into a deadly situation.
- Unsecured loads on trucks pose numerous dangers. For example:
- Falling items can strike vehicles directly.
- Large cargo, like lumber or steel, can crush passenger vehicles or cause multi-vehicle pileups.
- Spilled hay bales can cause a motorist to veer off course, potentially triggering secondary crashes.
- Small objects can shatter car windshields, strike vehicle occupants, or obstruct visibility.
- Shifting items can destabilize a tractor-trailer, making it prone to rollovers and jackknife accidents.
- Hazardous materials can spill onto the roadway, causing severe injuries from toxic exposure and any resulting fires or explosions.
Even small items, such as unsecured wrenches or plastic paint buckets, can become life-threatening when unsecured. Truck accident victims may sustain catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, complex fractures, internal organ damage, and other trauma that leave them with massive medical bills and long-term disabilities.
What Is an Unsecured Load?
An unsecured load refers to cargo that is not properly loaded, balanced, or fastened on a commercial truck. This includes items in open beds, flatbeds, or enclosed trailers. Inadequate straps, skipped loading steps, uneven weight distribution, equipment failure, or overloading can all lead to truck securement issues and potentially serious accidents.
Any cargo can present securement risks. Common types include lumber, steel beams, industrial equipment, vehicles, bulk materials, metal coils, and household goods.
Truck Load Securement Rules in Mississippi
Federal and state regulations set strict requirements for securing cargo on commercial vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces standards for all semi-trucks in interstate commerce, including those traveling through Mississippi.
According to 49 CFR Part 393 Subpart I, cargo must be firmly immobilized or secured to prevent spilling, falling, or shifting that could affect vehicle stability or maneuverability. Tiedown assemblies, such as chains, straps, steel or synthetic webbing, and cordage, must meet minimum performance standards.
Trucking regulations also set minimum numbers and placement of tiedowns based on cargo length and weight. Specific commodities, including metal coils, logs, concrete pipes, and paper rolls, have tailored securement rules. Trucking companies must maintain securement devices, and truck drivers must inspect cargo before departure and during transit, addressing any issues immediately.
Mississippi law reinforces these federal rules, holding companies accountable for accidents caused by unsecured loads. When cargo is not secured correctly, drivers and trucking companies can face civil liability for injuries, wrongful death, or property damage. Seek help from a skilled unsecured truck loads accident lawyer if you or a loved one has been hurt.
Common Causes of Unsecured Load Accidents
Wrecks involving unsecured truck loads usually result from multiple factors rather than a single mistake. Leading causes include:
- Improper loading techniques
- Failure to ensure the weight is distributed evenly
- Inadequately or improperly rated securement devices
- Worn straps, chains, tarps, or tiedowns
- Pressure to meet tight schedules, leading to shortcuts that compromise cargo security
- Failure to inspect cargo before starting a trip, during regular intervals, and after breaks
- Truck driver negligence, such as hard braking, speeding, making sharp turns, and unsafe lane changes
- Bad weather
Overloading trucks stresses securement systems, reduces maneuverability, and increases stopping distances, making shifting cargo more dangerous.
Who Is Liable for an Unsecured Load Accident?
Determining liability for an unsecured load crash requires examining all parties involved in the loading, securement, and transportation of a truck’s cargo. In any case involving the trucking industry, multiple parties could potentially be liable, such as:
- Cargo loading companies – If workers cut corners and failed to ensure the load was secure
- Truck companies – If improper training, poorly maintained securement devices, or failure to enforce inspection policies contributed to the truck accident
- Truck drivers – If failure to follow inspection protocols, negligent driving, or other violations caused the accident
- Equipment manufacturers – If straps, tie-downs, or anchor points failed due to a design flaw or manufacturing defect
- Maintenance contractors – If failure to inspect, repair, or report securement problems contributed to the crash
Because liability may be split among numerous parties, it’s crucial to work with a proven truck accident attorney who can investigate the wreck, identify everyone at fault, and fight for maximum compensation from all possible sources.
How a Mama Justice Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Mama Justice, we understand how life-changing a truck accident can be. Put us to work for you. Our personal injury attorneys put the personal in personal injury representation. Founded by Missy Wigginton, a mother who turned personal tragedy into a mission to help others, our firm provides compassionate, hands-on legal counsel to victims injured in serious accidents.
When you meet with us, you get a Deep Southern law firm that treats you with Deep Southern hospitality. From your free initial consultation through every stage of your truck accident case, you can count on us to strive for the full and fair compensation you deserve, from medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Our clients notice that we care.
“My husband and I were injured in a wreck this year, and the Mama Justice team helped us through every step of the process. From beginning to end, their communication has been consistent and thorough. They know how to get the best possible outcome, and they are always supportive with empathy and understanding. We are so happy we called Mama Justice to help us get back to normal after that debilitating situation. Thank you, Mama Justice!!! — Sly Lovely
Contact us today for a free consultation.
*Mama Justice has placed the information on this website as a service to the general public. Use of this website does not in any manner constitute an attorney‐client relationship between Mama Justice and the user. While the information on this site is about legal outcomes, it is not intended as legal advice. While Mama Justice is proud of the outcomes we have achieved for past clients, past results do not guarantee the same results. Anyone seeking specific legal advice or assistance should retain an attorney.
