It is difficult to drive in or around Worcester County without seeing at least one hardware superstore. The popularity of these stores makes it possible for homeowners to complete improvement projects. Regrettably, due to unsecured loads, big-box stores also may inadvertently contribute to motor vehicle accidents.
Improperly secured loads can be hazardous to drivers and pedestrians. Still, because homeowners may have little experience hauling large or bulky matters, they may lack the skills necessary to properly secure their loads. Here are three ways insecure loads may cause car crashes.
1. Vehicle damage
If something falls from the back of a car or pickup truck, it is likely to land somewhere in the roadway. Depending on the size and weight of the dislodged item, it may damage vehicles that collide with it. Vehicle damage, of course, may make it virtually impossible for drivers to maintain control.
2. Evasive driving
Drivers often see road debris with enough time to move safely to another lane or otherwise drive around it. Nevertheless, if motorists notice fallen items too late, they may lose control of their vehicles when taking evasive action. Alternatively, motorists may accidentally steer their vehicles into other cars when trying to avoid debris in the roadway.
3. Blunt-force and penetrative injuries
Insecure items are not only dangerous after they land on the road, of course. When an item falls from a vehicle, it may pass through the windshield of another car, truck or SUV. The driver or passengers of that vehicle may be vulnerable to both blunt-force and penetrative injuries.
It does not usually take long or much equipment to secure loads correctly. Ultimately, if a motorist’s insecure load causes an injury to someone else, the injured person may be eligible for substantial financial compensation.
