Cargo Spill and Lost Load Truck Accident Lawyer

Cargo Spill and Lost Load

Key Takeaways:

  • Cargo spills and lost load accidents can cause catastrophic, multi-vehicle crashes on Houston highways.
  • Truck drivers and companies must follow strict FMCSA cargo securement regulations to prevent accidents.
  • Multiple parties may be liable, including drivers, trucking companies, loaders, or equipment manufacturers.
  • Victims may recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
  • The Callahan Law Firm has over 30 years of experience proving negligence in cargo-related truck accidents.

A cargo spill or lost load accident can turn a busy Houston freeway into a disaster zone within seconds. When a commercial truck’s cargo shifts, falls, or spills onto the roadway, it endangers everyone nearby, often leading to multi-vehicle pileups, catastrophic injuries, and even fatalities.

At The Callahan Law Firm, our experienced Houston truck accident lawyers have represented victims of serious crashes for more than 30 years. We understand the devastating impact of these crashes and are committed to holding negligent trucking companies and drivers accountable.

Contact us now or call us anytime at (713) 589-7767 to set up a free consultation to find out more about your legal options in a truck accident lawsuit. Our office is conveniently located at 440 Louisiana St #2050, Houston, TX. We take your injury personally!

Dangers of Cargo Spill and Lost Load Truck Accidents

A lost load or cargo spill occurs when freight falls from a truck or trailer, either directly striking another vehicle or creating an obstacle that causes another driver to crash. These incidents are especially dangerous on high-speed routes like I-10, I-45, and I-610 — major arteries through Houston where heavy truck traffic meets daily congestion.

Even a single unsecured object can cause serious harm. Steel beams, construction equipment, pallets, and hazardous materials can roll or scatter across lanes, forcing drivers to swerve and collide. Fuel or chemical spills can also ignite and release toxic fumes, posing life-threatening risks to motorists and first responders alike.

Victims of lost load truck accidents often face devastating physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. An experienced lost load truck accident lawyer from our firm can help identify what went wrong and pursue full compensation from all responsible parties.

What Are Four Things Related to Cargo That Drivers Are Responsible For?

Federal and state law place strict duties on truck drivers and carriers to ensure cargo is loaded correctly and secured. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) both require truck operators to take specific precautions before and during transit.

Truck drivers are responsible for:

  • Inspecting cargo before departure – Drivers must verify that all loads are correctly distributed, balanced, and fastened.
  • Using proper securement equipment – Chains, straps, tie-downs, and locks must meet FMCSA safety standards for weight and strength.
  • Checking cargo periodically – Drivers must recheck load security during a trip, especially after long distances or rough conditions.
  • Ensuring compliance with weight limits – Overloaded trucks are harder to control and more prone to brake failure, blowouts, and rollovers.

Failure to follow these safety steps can expose both the driver and the trucking company to liability. When a company ignores safety requirements to save time or money, it puts everyone else on the road at risk.

How Can Our Houston Truck Accident Lawyers Prove Cargo Was Improperly Secured?

Proving that a cargo spill resulted from negligence requires a thorough investigation and technical analysis. At The Callahan Law Firm, our attorneys have decades of experience handling trucking accident cases, including those involving improperly loaded or unsecured freight.

Our legal team frequently works with accident reconstruction specialists, trucking safety experts, and engineers to examine:

  • Accident scene evidence, such as skid marks, photographs, and debris patterns
  • Truck inspection reports and cargo manifests
  • Electronic logging device (ELD) and GPS data showing driver activity and stops
  • Maintenance and load securement records from the trucking company
  • Surveillance or dashcam footage capturing the spill or load shift

We also use federal regulations and internal company policies to identify violations that prove negligence. By preparing every case as if it will go to trial, our experienced truck accident attorneys have recovered substantial results for clients injured in truck accidents.

Our lengthy track record of verdicts and settlements reflects our dedication to pursuing justice, even against major trucking corporations and insurers. Testimonials from our past clients also spotlight the work we do to support injured individuals.

For example, one of our highly satisfied clients wrote:

“My boyfriend and I suffered an injury when an 18-wheeler ran into my car. Michael and Casey helped me take on the trucking company and made them pay me for injuries. I was very happy with the result they were able to obtain for me and would recommend them to anyone who needs a good attorney to help them.” – Gladis G.

Who Is Liable for Cargo Spill Accidents and Resulting Injuries?

Liability in a lost load truck accident often extends beyond the truck driver.

Depending on the facts, multiple parties may be legally responsible for a crash due to improperly secured cargo, such as:

  • Truck drivers – If the driver failed to inspect, secure, or recheck the cargo to verify that it was properly secured
  • Trucking companies – For inadequate training, unsafe scheduling practices, or neglecting federal cargo securement regulations
  • Cargo loaders or shippers – If the freight was improperly packed or fastened before departure
  • Equipment manufacturers – If defective tie-downs, straps, or trailers contributed to the failure

Identifying the liable parties often requires reviewing contracts, bills of lading, and safety records to establish the cause of the incident. Our improperly loaded cargo truck accident attorneys have the resources to thoroughly investigate each potential defendant, ensuring that no responsible party escapes accountability.

Compensation After a Lost Load Truck Accident

Victims of cargo spill or lost load accidents in Houston may be entitled to significant compensation.

Every case is unique, but recoverable damages may include:

  • Medical expenses – Hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and long-term care
  • Lost income – Earnings missed during recovery and diminished future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering – Physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life
  • Physical impairment – Loss of or reduced ability to do things physically because of an injury.
  • Property damage – Costs to repair or replace a damaged vehicle
  • Wrongful death damages – Funeral expenses and loss of financial support for surviving families.

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize their responsibility or shift the blame for the crash. The Callahan Law Firm’s truck accident due to unsecured load lawyers level the playing field. We handle communications, negotiate assertively, and prepare to take your case to trial when necessary.

Common Causes and Injuries from Cargo Spill and Lost Load Accidents

A combination of driver error, company negligence, and inadequate equipment often causes cargo-related truck accidents in Texas.

A few examples of common causes include:

  • Failure to secure or balance cargo correctly
  • Overloading or uneven weight distribution
  • Broken or worn straps and tie-downs
  • Sudden lane changes or braking by truck drivers
  • Hazardous material spills leading to fires or explosions

Injuries from these accidents can be catastrophic. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, fractures, severe burns, and other types of severe and lasting injuries. These conditions can lead to permanent disability, emotional trauma, and financial strain for years to come.

Get Legal Help from Our Houston Cargo Spill Truck Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one were hurt in a cargo spill or a lost load truck accident, you deserve justice and fair compensation. The Houston truck accident attorneys at The Callahan Law Firm have over three decades of experience representing individuals and families against trucking companies and their insurers. We are known for our trial success and commitment to building strong cases that maximize recovery for our clients.

Our team is available to meet in person, over the phone, or through video consultation. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless a financial recovery is made for you.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident due to an unsecured load, contact us today or call us anytime at (713) 589-7767 to schedule your free consultation to speak with a trusted cargo spill injury lawyer.