Lost Load Accidents

A lost load accident is when a commercial truck spills its cargo. This can happen when cargo is incorrectly loaded or when straps break. Lost load truck accidents are among the most dangerous types of roadway collisions because the spilled cargo can cause the truck to lose control. The cargo itself can crash into other cars, sometimes causing multi-vehicle, chain-reaction car accident.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we have handled many serious truck accident cases throughout Westchester, New York, and beyond. Attorney Mark A. Siesel has built a reputation for pursuing claims, even against major trucking companies and insurance companies. He does this while showing compassion and care for every client. In fact, many clients remain friends for years after their cases are resolved. If you have been injured in a trucking accident or have lost a family member in a truck collision, contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel to schedule a consultation.

What Causes a Lost Load Truck Accident?

Common causes of lost load truck accidents include:

• Improperly secured cargo. Straps, chains, or tarps that are damaged or used incorrectly can fail under the stress of travel.
• Overloaded trailers. When a truck carries more weight than allowed, cargo can shift or cause the trailer to tip.
• Unevenly distributed loads. If the weight inside a trailer isn’t balanced, the truck can become unstable during turns or lane changes and cargo can spill.
• Defective equipment. Broken locks, malfunctioning hydraulic lifts, poorly designed tie-downs and straps, or faulty trailer doors can allow cargo to fall into traffic.
• Negligent loading practices. In some cases, third-party loading companies are responsible for securing cargo, but fail to meet safety standards.

Hazards of Lost Cargo Involving Dangerous or Radioactive Materials

Any lost load accident can be dangerous, but when a truck carrying hazardous or radioactive materials loses its load, the consequences can be especially devastating. Unlike an ordinary cargo spill, these incidents can expose drivers, first responders, other drivers, and entire communities to fire hazards or even long-term environmental contamination.

Hazardous material transporters are subject to strict state and federal regulations under agencies such as the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency. These rules govern everything from labeling and load balance to containment systems and emergency response procedures. Trucking companies can’t just load flammable, explosive, or other dangerous cargo the same way they would any other item to be shipped.

If you are injured by a hazardous cargo accident, you will find this claim is different than many other types of claims. If you were exposed to a dangerous substance that was spilled on the road, for example, the health impacts may not be visible for a long time. You may have a heightened risk of cancer, but may experience only mild skin or eye irritation now. Or, you may be a bystander or homeowner near where hazardous material was spilled. Trying to sort out your homeowner’s insurance claim or even your likely exposure risk can be a challenge.

Working with an experienced attorney means you will get representation that helps you pursue fair compensation, even if the total effects of the accident on your life are not apparent right away. Our team works with experts in environmental safety, medicine, and accident reconstruction to ensure you have the evidence you need to seek fair recovery.

Common Injuries in Lost Load Truck Crashes

Injuries in lost load crashes are often severe, in part because of the nature of these accidents. The out-of-control truck may crash into other cars and properties. The cargo may crash into pedestrians, bicyclists, and other users of the road that aren’t as protected as occupants of passenger cars. Multiple-vehicle accidents can happen in these situations, creating multiple points of impact, which can make injuries worse. Victims may suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs or spinal cord trauma.
• Broken bones and fractures.
• Amputations.
• Burn injuries.
• Exposure to dangerous chemicals, which can increase the risk of respiratory illness, cancer, and other serious diseases.
• Internal injuries and internal bleeding.
• Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It’s important to always treat lost load truck accidents seriously. Either call 911 if your injuries are serious or get a full medical evaluation as soon as possible. Never assume you are uninjured.

Who Can Be Liable in a Lost Load Truck Accident?

Trucking cases are rarely straightforward, especially when spilled cargo is involved, and multiple parties may share liability. These may include:

• The truck driver, for failing to inspect or properly secure cargo.
• The trucking company, for neglecting safety protocols or pushing drivers to cut corners.
• The loading or shipping company, if the cargo was improperly secured before the truck left the dock.
• A maintenance provider or manufacturer, if defective parts contributed to the load loss.

An experienced attorney can determine who caused your accident and can help you hold liable parties accountable.

Why Lost Load Cases Require Immediate Legal Help

Cargo can be cleared from the scene, logs overwritten, and vehicles repaired before investigators arrive. Trucking companies are required by federal law to keep certain records, but they are not obligated to retain them indefinitely.

Our firm acts quickly to preserve key evidence, including:

• Dashcam or surveillance footage.
• Witness statements.
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance records.
• GPS and electronic logging device (ELD) data.
• Bills of lading, cargo manifests, and loading documentation.

By intervening early, The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel ensures that details aren’t lost. We also handle every communication with insurers and opposing counsel, so you can focus on your health.

Find the Right Attorney

Truck accident cases are not like car crash claims. They involve federal trucking regulations, multiple defendants, complex insurance policies, and aggressive corporate defense teams. In the case of lost load accidents, they can also include complex questions about weight limits, hazardous cargo, and more.

With almost 40 years of experience, attorney Mark A. Siesel has built a record of success in handling these difficult cases. Our firm has represented victims of:

• Truck and bus accidents.
• Motorcycle and motor vehicle collisions.
• Premises liability and dog bite cases.
• Wrongful death claims.
• Catastrophic injuries, including TBIs and brain injuries.
• DWI-related accidents involving serious injuries.

Whether you were struck by falling cargo or injured in a multi-vehicle collision after items fell from a truck, you have legal options. We’re here to explain them clearly, so you’re empowered to make the right decisions for your future.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we can schedule a free consultation so you can review your situation in detail. In a no-pressure consultation, you can find out whether you have a claim and you get a chance to ask questions. The goal is to help you get clarity so you can understand how you may be able to secure the compensation you need to rebuild.

When you contact us, you’ll receive a prompt response (usually the same day) and compassionate, experienced representation from a firm that truly cares about your future.