There are many ways a person can get involved in a truck accident – including a number of ways that damage can occur when a truck is not loaded correctly. To learn more about the dangers of overloading cargo or otherwise not loading it correctly, keep reading. Then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to request a free legal consultation if you have been affected by a truck accident.
Overloaded Cargo Can Cause Damage in a Number of Ways
When cargo is overloaded, it can cause a number of issues. Overloading refers to a truck that has a higher weight than its limit as decided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This set weight will vary by truck and it is up to both the truck driver and the cargo loader to ensure that the truck does not have more weight than is allowed.
If the guidelines are not followed and the truck is overloaded, it can end up with mechanical issues with the extra weight. The truck driver could get into a serious accident as a result. Even if the extra weight does not cause a total mechanical failure, it can make it difficult for the truck to stop and it can be particularly difficult to steer when traveling on an incline.
Cargo That is Unevenly Distributed Brings Its Own Challenges
When a person or team is loading cargo onto a truck, they must pay attention to the way in which they load it. If it is not correctly loaded, it could turn a simple lane change into a fatal accident. When weight is unevenly distributed, the entire truck could turn on its side, which puts the truck driver and anyone else around in great danger.
Unsecured Cargo Can Cause Serious Issues
Even if the cargo is loaded evenly and is within the allowed weight limit, there are still cargo issues possible. For example, if cargo is not properly secured it can come off the truck at any point. Other drivers may not have the time to drive around said cargo, and serious impacts can occur. Even unsecure cargo within the rig itself can be an issue, as its moving back and forth can be a distraction for the driver. If they startled, they could easily swerve and cause an accident.
Have You Been Involved in This or Another Type of Truck Accident?
If you have been involved in any type of truck accident, including an accident caused by an improperly loaded truck, we invite you to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for your free legal consultation. The at-fault party may be the truck driver, the company they work for, or the company that loaded the cargo. We will get to the bottom of it to ensure the right party is held responsible.
