Flatbed truck accidents are some of the most deadly on American roads, with their unique design and cargo-carrying abilities presenting special challenges. With their flat and open trailer beds, these commercial vehicles transport oversized and unconventional cargo that won’t fit in a traditional enclosed trailer. To understand how these accidents happen, we need to look at multiple factors, from the physical characteristics of flatbed trucks to human error and environmental conditions. A Jacksonville truck accident lawyer ensures you receive proper medical care while managing the legal and financial aspects of your accident case.
Consult with a Truck Accident Lawyer to Achieve a Favorable Resolution
Speaking to a truck accident lawyer is essential if you’re involved in a flatbed incident. An attorney’s understanding of these accidents can mean the difference between a claim denial and increased compensation. Seek out their advice right away if you’re denied medical care, as this response can be especially troubling. A lawyer can help you get the care you need while they handle the legal and financial details of your accident case.
Why the Design of a Flatbed Increases Accident Risk
The basic design of a flatbed truck increases risk. Unlike enclosed trailers, flatbed trucks have an open cargo area that requires preloading and securing. The flat trailer bed is 48 to 53 feet long and can carry loads of tens of thousands of pounds. That’s a lot of size and weight, especially if the cargo is exposed. Therefore, proper loading and securing of the items is critical for safe operation.
Cargo Securement Problems
Cargo securement failures are one of the leading causes of flatbed truck accidents. When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transport, cause stability issues, or fall off the trailer altogether. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes strict regulations on cargo securement, requiring specific types and numbers of tie-downs based on the cargo’s weight and dimensions. Despite these regulations, improper securement techniques or equipment failures cause catastrophic accidents.
Uneven Weight Distribution
Uneven weight distribution will cause a truck to turn over, especially if the driver turns or makes a sudden move. This factor is even more prevalent with tall or top-heavy loads, which are standard on flatbed trailers. Therefore, the risk of an accident is common on flatbeds, as people may overload because of the open bed.
Exposure to the Elements
Weather conditions impact flatbed truck safety. Flatbed truck beds are open and exposed, making the truck more susceptible to wind effects. Strong crosswinds can create additional lateral forces on tall loads and potentially cause rollover accidents. Rain, snow, and ice can make securement harder and affect the truck’s handling.
Driver Error
Driver error is a significant factor in flatbed truck accidents. Operating a flatbed truck requires special skills and knowledge beyond those needed for a standard commercial vehicle. Drivers must know how to secure the load correctly, verify cargo stability throughout their journey, and see the load’s dimensions and weight distribution.
Driver Fatigue, Destruction, or Lack of Training
A driver's long hours and lack of training can increase the risk of an accident. Your truck accident attorney can check log books to see if driver error led to your accident by checking the driver’s training background and learning more about what happened during the mishap.
Maintenance Issues and Checks
Maintenance issues specific to flatbed trucks can cause accidents. Drivers should check tie-down points, straps, chains, and other securements before driving on the highway.
Height Clearance Errors
Height clearance miscalculations are another common cause of flatbed truck accidents. When carrying tall loads, drivers must plan their routes carefully to avoid low bridges, overpasses, and other overhead obstacles. If drivers do not account for load height or misread clearance signs, they can get into a serious accident.
Cargo Loading and Unloading
Heavy equipment like a crane or forklift is often involved when a flatbed is loaded or unloaded. If workers do not coordinate well during the activity, they increase the risk of accidents. Many of these accidents occur when a worker is hit by shifting cargo or after an equipment failure. Coordination issues between a truck driver and loading personnel can worsen the problem.
Wide Turns
Turning a flatbed truck with an oversized load is challenging, especially if the driver is making a wide turn. When the turn is not executed correctly, the car can quickly run into another vehicle, the infrastructure, or fixed objects. This factor is especially true in urban areas with tighter streets and more complex traffic patterns.
Equipment Failure
Equipment failure specific to flatbed operations can cause accidents. This includes tie-down system failures, trailer bed structural issues, or problems with specialized equipment used for particular types of cargo. Regular inspections and maintenance are critical, but equipment can fail unexpectedly, again - especially under heavy or challenging loads.
Speeding
Because of a flatbed’s open cargo configuration, speed-related accidents can be more severe with these trucks. High speeds can increase the force on the cargo securement systems and make the car more challenging to control, especially during emergency maneuvers. The risk is even more significant when a driver carries tall or unstable loads that affect the truck’s center of gravity.
Blind Spots
Blind spot accidents occur more frequently with flatbed trucks. Blind spots happen when the truck's width and length and oversized cargo make it harder to see the highway. This risk is greater when the loads extend beyond regular trailer dimensions, requiring extra vigilance from the truck driver and surrounding motorists.
Poor Route Planning
Poor route planning can cause accidents when drivers encounter obstacles or conditions unsuitable for their load. This lack of care may include height clearance issues, weight restrictions, narrow roads, or challenging terrain.
Safety is Always a Priority
Flatbed truck operations are complicated; many factors contribute to accidents. Weather, equipment problems, human error, and other circumstances can create risky situations that lead to serious accidents.
Consult with a Truck Accident Lawyer Now
A truck accident attorney will do all they can to help you get the maximum compensation you need. Speak to a lawyer who handles flatbed truck accidents today. With the help of an attorney, you allow yourself greater opportunities to seek adequate compensation. To ensure you receive the best care and a maximum settlement, reviewing your claim with a personal injury attorney is always best. They can determine the next steps to take.