Flatbed trucks carry freight on an open deck without side walls or a roof. Because the trailer does not contain the load, every item depends entirely on tie-downs and other securement equipment to remain stable during braking or turning. When that system fails, cargo may shift into another lane or fall directly into traffic.
Flatbed truck accidents in McAllen may involve more than an ordinary driving error. The condition of the securement equipment and the freight’s position could reveal why the collision occurred. A truck collision attorney at KGS Law PLLC could examine those details and assess which businesses or individuals may bear legal responsibility.
How an Exposed Deck Increases Crash Risk
An enclosed trailer provides a physical barrier between freight and nearby motorists. A flatbed does not. Oversized machinery may extend beyond the deck, while a high center of gravity can make tall materials unstable. Heavy building products may also slide when friction devices or blocking methods are inadequate.
During a flatbed truck collision in McAllen, an overhanging load may strike a nearby vehicle even if the cargo remains on the trailer. In other cases, a shifting machine can change the truck’s balance and affect steering. The investigation should therefore consider the load itself rather than focus only on the driver’s conduct.
Cargo-Securement Rules and Evidence
The general cargo-securement provisions in 49 Code of Federal Regulations §§ 393.100 through 393.136 set requirements for containing and immobilizing commercial loads. These rules address securement systems and working-load limits, and they include commodity-specific requirements for certain freight. Compliance depends on the cargo’s weight and shape as well as the equipment that restrains it.
Evidence after a flatbed cargo truck crash in McAllen may include:
- Load photographs
- Bills of lading
- Inspection records
- Electronic communications about loading
We could examine the condition and ratings of straps and chains and whether the securement system included edge protectors because sharp cargo may cut a tie-down during transit.
Because the trailer remains exposed, relevant evidence can change quickly after a crash. Removing the cargo or reconfiguring the securement system can alter the scene, so early preservation efforts are important to document the load’s original arrangement before those changes occur.
Tracing Fault Across the Loading Chain
Responsibility may extend beyond the truck driver. The motor carrier may be liable for unsafe operating practices or inadequate inspection procedures. A loading contractor may bear fault if it positioned the cargo improperly or selected insufficient restraints. A shipper may also face scrutiny if it assumed responsibility for loading and created a concealed securement defect.
A McAllen accident claim involving unsecured cargo in a flatbed tractor-trailer therefore requires a careful review of contracts and shipping documents. Those records may show who controlled loading and who held responsibility for inspecting the freight before departure.
State law also affects recovery. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001 bars recovery if your assigned responsibility exceeds 50 percent. If your share is 50 percent or less, the court reduces damages by that percentage. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003 generally requires you to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the crash, so you should identify the responsible parties promptly.
Call Our McAllen Attorneys if Your Truck Crash Involved a Flatbed
Flatbed truck accidents in McAllen require careful attention to cargo placement and securement decisions that may involve several companies. We could investigate the loading process and assess how federal securement rules apply to the evidence.
Contact KGS Law PLLC today to discuss the collision and your losses. We could explain your legal options and develop a claim that identifies the parties responsible for controlling the truck and its load.