According to a report from ABC News, loose objects in cars are responsible for 13,000 injuries a year. A loose object in a vehicle can serve as a potential distraction that can cause an accident or turn into a projectile while an accident is occurring.
If you or a family member suffered injuries in a car accident that involved a loose object, you may be confused about your legal rights and options. A McAllen accident caused by loose objects lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins can help explain what course of action can help you recover compensation. Contact our team today by calling 877-239-4878.
Loose Objects Inside Cars Can Cause Life-Threatening Injuries
Loose objects in a vehicle become powerful projectiles if an accident occurs. ABC News explains that if you are traveling at 55 miles per hour and have a 20-pound object loose in the vehicle, that object hits with 1,000 pounds of force. That is strong enough to cause life-threatening injuries to a person upon impact.
Loose objects inside a vehicle that may cause harm to you and your passengers include:
- Cell phones
- Navigational devices
- Tools
- Books
- Purses
- Backpacks
- Suitcases
- Trash
- Groceries
- Water bottles
- Coffee mugs and thermoses
Passengers who are not secured in their seats can become projectiles themselves. In the event of a crash, they can hit other occupants in the vehicle or forcefully strike the vehicle’s interior.
Motorists can avoid additional injuries caused during a car accident by:
- Properly securing all passengers
- Securing all loose objects in a vehicle
- Placing all loose items in the trunk of the car
- Keeping pets in approved travel containers
- Placing any needed items in the glove box or console when not in use
- Strapping items to the roof of their vehicle
If you or a family member was injured in an accident caused or made worse by loose objects, call Loncar Lyon Jenkins. We can explain your legal recourse options in a free case review.
Loose Objects Outside of Cars Can Contribute to Accidents
Loose objects outside the car can also pose a danger to motorists. Road hazards such as debris or loose gravel can cause damage to your vehicle. They can also cause accidents when people swerve to avoid these hazards. Cargo may fall out of the back of a commercial or pickup truck, causing collisions.
If you were injured by a poorly maintained roadway or an object that fell off a commercial vehicle, your lawyer can explain who can be held liable for your damages. You may be able to pursue the cost of your damages from a commercial enterprise or government municipality.
For a free legal consultation with a Loose Objects Accidents lawyer serving McAllen, call 877-239-4878
Texas Laws on Transporting Loose Materials
The Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) explains a series of rules that motorists must follow to prevent loose materials from falling or spilling onto a roadway.
The organization notes that:
- Vehicles must be equipped and maintained to prevent loose materials from escaping.
- A vehicle bed must not have any holes, cracks, or openings that would allow loose materials to fall through.
- A cargo load must be secured unless it is enclosed by a compartment.
- No one should transport any loose material over public highways like dirt, sand, gravel, or wood chips unless the bed carrying the load is completely enclosed on all sides.
If a motorist did not take measures to prevent loose objects from spilling onto a roadway or otherwise causing an accident, they can be held liable for your damages. Depending on the nature of your accident, you may be able to pursue compensation from more than one entity.
To get started with a free case review from Loncar Lyon Jenkins, dial 877-239-4878.
McAllen Loose Objects Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-239-4878
Parties That May Be Liable for Your Damages
We mentioned before that there may be multiple parties who may be liable for your injuries.
These potential parties may include:
- A driver. If you were traveling as a passenger in a vehicle and were struck by a loose object, the driver may be responsible for your injuries.
- A company. If cargo came loose from the back of a company-owned vehicle and caused the accident, the company can be held accountable for your damages.
- A government department or municipality. If debris was left on the road for a long time or the street itself was in bad condition, the governmental entity responsible for maintaining the area may be held responsible for any accidents that occur.
- A vehicle manufacturer. In some situations, a vehicle’s manufacturer may be responsible for loose object accidents. An example of this would include a trunk that did not close all the way or was prone to flying open while in transit. If this was a factor in your collision, then this party may be held responsible for your damages.
A McAllen accident caused by loose objects lawyer can investigate your case and determine which party (or parties) may be responsible for the injuries you sustained.
Contact our McAllen Loose Objects Accident Attorneys today
Potential Damages in Loose Object Accident Cases
If you were injured in an accident caused by loose objects, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages you suffered.
This may include payment for:
- Costs to repair or replace your vehicle
- Medical expenses stemming from the accident, including the cost of surgery, follow-up treatments, physical therapy, and medications
- Lost wages
- Permanent disability
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
Contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins to get a better idea about the potential value of your case.
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If you were injured by a loose object during a motor vehicle collision, a McAllen accident caused by loose objects lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins can help you with your case. We will investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, identify all liable parties, and work to secure compensation on your behalf.
We work on a contingency-fee-basis, so you do not pay us anything unless we recover compensation for your damages. Call us today at 877-239-4878 for your free case evaluation.
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