Trucks carrying all sorts of cargo travel throughout our nation’s roadways like clockwork. Unfortunately, some cargo is not properly secured, or the truck becomes overloaded, resulting in shifting cargo during travel and spilling onto the road. When this happens, devastating wrecks and injuries can also occur.
For example, on February 5, 2022, Saturday afternoon, Highway 101’s southbound lanes in Santa Barbara were closed off near Santa Claus Lane in Carpinteria because of a traffic accident that involved a big rig that caused an oil spill. According to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 5, traffic was backed up and caused more accidents near Toro Canyon Road.
Common Causes of Cargo Spills
Various things can cause cargo spills, including the following:
- Improperly secured cargo
- Driver error or negligence, including speeding, distracted driving, drowsy driving, impaired driving, turning too quickly, abrupt and improper lane changes, and sudden braking, among others, applies to truck drivers and other drivers on the road.
- Loads that are too heavy or large for the truck
- Adverse weather conditions
- Poorly maintained roadways
- Road debris
- Poorly maintained trucks, leading to brake failure, tire blowouts, etc.
Who is Liable for Traffic Accidents Caused by Cargo Spills?
Truck accidents, such as jackknife and rollover crashes, can cause trucks carrying liquids and chemicals to spill their cargo. When flammable cargo is spilled, there’s always the risk of fire and explosions. But even if the cargo spill doesn’t involve flammable materials, any liquid spill can make the road slippery, making it more hazardous for all motorists.
Put simply, any cargo spill can be hazardous and cause traffic congestion, multiple-vehicle pileups, and various personal injuries. On the upside, when traffic crashes involving cargo spills occur, injured victims can hold any of the following parties liable for their accident-related injuries and damages:
- All truckers have a legal duty to regularly inspect their cargo to help ensure it is balanced and not too heavy. Failing to do so can cause cargo spills and other kinds of traffic accidents.
- Trucking companies also have a legal duty to ensure their trucks are always in good working order and are regularly inspected and maintained to avoid accidents such as cargo spills.
- Companies and their workers who load cargo onto trucks must always ensure that the cargo is secured and balanced. Otherwise, they can be held liable for a cargo spill accident.
- If another motorist or a poorly maintained roadway (fault for the cargo spill, in this case, lies with the entity responsible for maintaining the roadway) caused the truck driver to lose control of their vehicle, you could likewise hold these parties responsible for your losses.
Talk to an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Now
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries and property damage because of a cargo spill accident, contact the Santa Barbara truck accident attorneys of Bamieh & De Smeth today. Schedule your free case review by calling 805-643-5555 or contacting us online.
