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What to Do If a Load Falling Off a Lorry Causes Injury
Last Updated on April 29, 2025 by tanya
What to Do If a Load Falling Off a Lorry Causes Injury
Traffic Accidents Due to Falling Loads and Claiming Compensation
There are loads of lorries on our roads carrying heavy cargoes, so here’s what to do if a load falling off a lorry causes injury – and you’re involved. Whether driving, cycling or walking, there’s always a risk if you’re out on the road. Falling loads from lorries or heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) can happen more often than we think.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently fined a road haulage company £90,000 after a cyclist was killed when a heavy load fell from a lorry. According to the HSE investigation, one of the straps holding four heat exchangers weighing over 10,000kg snapped as the lorry went around a bend. This caused the load to shift. HSE found that the load was not properly secured, and their driver had not been properly trained.
Falling loads can present a serious hazard and if you’ve been injured by a falling load which was not your fault, you may be eligible to claim compensation through a personal injury claim.
First Personal Injury can help as we partner with highly experienced lawyers who can assess your case and guide you accordingly.
Falling Loads from Lorries
When cargo falls from either a moving or stationary vehicle, there’s a high risk of injury to others. This can be particularly for cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and drivers of smaller vehicles. These incidents can happen due to:
- Poorly secured cargo
- Faulty equipment (e.g. broken straps or tailgates)
- Overloading
- Sudden manoeuvres or braking
- Negligent driving or inadequate training
Common Injuries In Traffic Incidents Involving a Falling Load
The type and severity of injuries vary depending on the weight, speed, and nature of the falling object. Common injuries which may be sustained are:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations and abrasions
A Duty of Care
Legally, all road users have a duty of care to others. This means a lorry or HGV driver or transport company must ensure that all cargo is properly loaded, secured, and inspected.
You may be able to bring a personal injury claim if:
- The driver: If they failed to secure the load or drove recklessly
- The transport company or employer: If poor training, faulty equipment, or bad practices were involved
- Third-party contractors: In cases where the vehicle was loaded by an external logistics firm
A personal injury lawyer will be able to assess whether your claim may be valid.
How To File a Personal Injury Claim
If you were injured by a falling load, here’s the next steps on how to pursue a personal accident claim:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional. Your medical records will serve as vital evidence for your claim.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Evidence helps establish liability and the extent of your damages. If it is safe to do so, try to collect:
- Photos or video of the fallen load and any vehicle damage
- Witness statements and contact information
- Dashcam footage (from your own vehicle or others)
- Police reports (especially if emergency services attended)
Report the Incident
Report the accident to the police.
Contact a Personal Injury Solicitor
Choose a solicitor with expertise in road traffic accidents involving falling loads. Many work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. This means you won’t pay legal fees unless your claim succeeds.
What Compensation Can You Claim?
To win compensation, you should be able to prove that a breach in the duty of care directly caused your injury. Additionally, that the injury resulted in quantifiable damages.
You typically have three years from the date of the accident to start your personal injury claim. There are exceptions to this for children and individuals lacking mental capacity.
A successful personal injury claim can help recover:
General Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of amenity (impact on your lifestyle)
Special Damages
- Medical expenses (including ongoing treatment or rehabilitation)
- Loss of income (past and future earnings)
- Travel and care costs
- Vehicle damage or property replacement
The total amount depends on the severity of the injury, the impact on your life, and the strength of evidence.
Need Help? Contact Us Today
A falling load may not only be an unfortunate accident. It could possibly be a preventable incident where negligence may be involved. If you’ve been injured due to a falling truck load, our specialist personal injury team can help.
Our expert team at First Personal Injury will guide you through the claims process to help you secure the compensation you deserve. We partner with lawyers who offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ service.
📞 Call us now at 0333 358 2345 📝 Or complete our online contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation