Loose Cargo Can Mean Legal Liability For Trucking Companies
For those involved in trucking management, loose cargo can be a big deal. When there is spilled cargo on a roadway, there are boundless financial implications for trucking companies as well as the possibility of costly legal liabilities.
Loose cargo on the roadways is usually a concern for flatbed trucks. However, van trailers can experiences this issue also. Because of the loose cargo risk, a trucking company must carry liability insurance to the tune of at least $1 million. Lawyers are well aware of this legal requirement, so anytime there is a trucking accident lawsuits against the trucking company are common.
The issues of loose cargo has resulted in a new specialization in the legal field. If you do a Google search using the words “loose cargo,” you are likely to see a long list of attorneys ready and willing to represent those who have been involved in accidents with an errant freight. One lawyer in Texas has gone so far as to bill himself as the accident attorney for flatbed trailer trucks. Can you imagine the title on his business card?
After being involved in the industry for so long, I have my share of loose cargo stories. One such experience involved a driver who was transporting a load for me on a van trailer. The load consisted of steel parts that were supposed to be placed securely on pallets. The parts were heavy but were not high in volume. Unfortunately, the driver did not secure the load correctly. He took a turn off an off-ramp too quickly and the load shifted sides causing the truck to tip over. This created quick a headache for my company and quite the financial ordeal.
If you’ve done any cross-country driving or extensive interstate driving, you’ve no doubt noticed officials from the Department of Transportation inspecting big rigs on the roadside. Inspections of this nature are usually focused on equipment and freight. But oftentimes, DOT officials will issue fines for cargo that is not secured properly or other lapses in security related to hauling cargo.
Another incident I can recall involved a driver who was transporting steel coils. The driver was exiting on an off-ramp that led to another highway. Again this driver took the turn too quickly and the flatbed trailer rolled to one side and hit a concrete wall. Concrete debris flew everywhere across all lanes of traffic causing damage to more than forty cars.
Thankfully in this scenario and the previous one mentioned there were no injuries, but this type of incident is a nightmare for a trucking management company. Securing cargo properly is a big deal in the trucking industry. When done improperly, safety is compromised and legal liability is likely.
Important Steps Involved In Legal Conveyancing
At some point in your life you might wish to buy a house. The thought of buying property is always accompanied with lengthy paper work and government formalities. Especially in the UK, your patience can be tested with the complex and time-consuming legal work involved in buying and selling matters. You will have to go through the UK conveyancing process to get your dream house. There are certain steps involved in the legal conveyancing process as below-
1)Select a house within your budget Depending on your individual financial situation calculate important expenditures in property buying. It is important to evaluate the budget and affordability factor. After taking into account things like mortgage costs, legal fees, registration of deeds and stamp duty finalize the property you are interested in buying.
2)Get a Solicitor One of the most important steps in legal conveyancing is getting a licensed and experienced conveyancer. Conveyancing is the legal work involved in buying or selling property. Conveyancers are qualified to handle legal proceedings and conduct surveys in the particular areas. They are the ones who will negotiate the price for you and help you in the legal process of transferring the ownership titles and complete the deal.
3)Get the paper work done Be prepared to undergo heavy paperwork related to your property transaction. Always check and understand the terms and conditions before signing off any document. Hire a smart and professional solicitor who will keep you updated about any proceedings in the transaction. Get involved and finish the paperwork to pace up the process.
4)Get a property survey It is very important to conduct property surveys. They will tell you about increase rates, other obligations or any defects in the property you are interested in buying. Licensed solicitors can conduct property surveys in many areas and present you with a detailed report about it.
5)Get Mortgage approval – Very people can buy a home without getting a mortgage. A mortgage is a long-term loan secured against the property you buy. It means if you dont repay your mortgage you may lose your home. There are different types of mortgages and different mortgage providers. You should apply and get a formal mortgage approval before signing the final contract for buying your property.
6)Post sale formalities Your solicitor should complete after sale formalities successfully for you. It includes stamp duty, land registry, etc. All these legal formalities should be completed for a proper transfer of property rights from the seller to the buyer.
All the above are the important steps in the legal conveyancing process in the UK. Any new buyer should understand all these steps before starting the buying process to avoid legal hassles and avoid incomplete deal transactions.
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