If something like a boat or motorcycle falls off a trailer, is the person towing the trailer responsible for any accidents that result? | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Virginia law requires drivers to secure all items placed on a towed trailer with tarps, straps or cages, as appropriate. Violating that law, or even just allowing a tarp or strap to work loose, makes a driver responsible for any crash caused by an item that falls off the trailer.

The same type of law applies to dump trucks and pickups. That is, allowing items to fly out of the hopper or truck bed is a ticketable offense and something that can be cited as negligence in a Virginia personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

EJL