How the Trucking Cargo Manifest Can Be Used As Evidence in a Truck Accident

Many factors can contribute to a truck accident: driver fatigue, mechanical failure, and poor road conditions, to name a few. However, there is one piece of evidence that you might not even know exists: the cargo manifest.

This document, which details everything being transported in that truck, can unlock answers about why the accident happened and who should be held responsible. Without it, you may be missing a vital piece of the puzzle that could make or break your case. Reach out to our truck accident lawyer in St. George to learn more.

What Information Does a Cargo Manifest Contain?

The cargo manifest serves as the official record of everything loaded onto a commercial truck before it hits the road. This document is a comprehensive inventory that provides insight into what the truck was carrying and how it was secured.

A typical cargo manifest includes:

• The total weight of the cargo and the individual item weights
• Descriptions of all materials being transported
• The shipper and consignee information for each load
• Hazardous materials classifications and UN identification numbers
• Loading sequence and placement within the trailer
• Special handling instructions and securement requirements
• Date and time of loading, along with the responsible parties’ signatures

Proving Overloading and Improper Weight Distribution

Federal regulations strictly limit how much weight commercial trucks can carry, but trucking companies sometimes ignore these limits to maximize profits. When trucks exceed legal weight limits or distribute cargo improperly, they become far more dangerous.

An overloaded truck takes longer to stop, puts excessive strain on brakes and tires, and becomes difficult to control on curves or during emergency maneuvers. 

The cargo manifest provides proof of the truck’s actual weight at the time of loading. By comparing this information against federal weight restrictions and the truck’s rated capacity, your attorney can demonstrate that overloading occurred.

Even if total weight falls within legal limits, improper distribution, loading too much weight toward the front, rear, or one side, creates instability that can cause rollovers or jackknife accidents. The manifest’s loading sequence and placement information may reveal whether proper distribution procedures were followed.

Identifying Hazardous Materials and Safety Violations

Trucks carrying hazardous materials must follow strict federal safety regulations, including proper labeling, placarding, driver certification, and route restrictions. When these rules are ignored, accidents become more likely and far more catastrophic. 

The cargo manifest identifies whether the truck was transporting flammable, corrosive, toxic, or explosive materials. If hazardous cargo was involved, your attorney can investigate whether the trucking company followed required protocols.

Were materials properly classified and documented? Did the driver have appropriate endorsements? Was the route legally permissible? If the company failed to follow the rules, it can be held responsible for your accident. 

How to Obtain the Cargo Manifest for Your Case

The cargo manifest holds critical information that can establish liability in your truck accident case, but accessing this document requires swift legal action. Trucking companies and their insurers understand the manifest’s evidentiary value and may be reluctant to produce it voluntarily.

A truck accident lawyer knows how to preserve and obtain this evidence through formal legal demands and court orders if necessary. Your St. George accident attorney will quickly send preservation letters and file subpoenas so that the trucking company cannot claim documents were lost or routinely destroyed.

Then, they will analyze the manifest alongside other evidence to build a comprehensive case demonstrating how cargo issues caused or worsened your accident. Schedule a free consultation immediately to discuss your case.