Truck drivers and trucking companies are expected to follow certain restrictions and regulations to keep everyone on the road safe. When big rig drivers and the companies they haul for fail follow proper precautions, everyone on the road is at risk. The dangers of distracted and tired drivers get a lot of attention. However, there are other trucking regulations that are also important to safety, including making sure cargo loads comply with weight restrictions and are loaded correctly. Truckers, trucking companies, and other employees are responsible for preventing their big rigs from driving with overloaded or improperly loaded cargo. Dangerous situations, including serious collisions, arise when overloaded or unevenly loaded 18-wheelers take to the road. The large size of the big rig, plus the added weight from the cargo, is a cause for concern on the road and acts of negligence should be taken seriously.
At Aldous / Walker, our Dallas truck crash attorneys understand the difficult situation victims may face after experiencing a collision. We understand that you may have questions regarding your legal rights and options if you’ve been injured; our team can explain the potential dangers of big rigs that are overloaded or improperly loaded, as well as the parties who may be held accountable if a truck crash occurs. Below, you will find the information you need regarding the dangers on the road.
Potential Dangers
When something goes wrong, there can be a number of causes. In some cases, there are some types of accidents that can be caused by overloaded or improperly loaded cargos. For instance, if one side of the cargo is heavier than the other, it may cause the truck to rollover on a sharp turn. In some situations, an overloaded truck can make it difficult for the driver to brake when going downhill.
Other potential dangers of overloaded or improperly loaded trucks include:
- Overloaded or improperly loaded big rigs are at risk of jackknifes, which can cause a collision with all cars around.
- An overloaded or improperly balanced truck may have difficulty getting up steep inclines.
- If a truck is overloaded, it may have trouble when the driver attempts to shift, and can result in the driver losing control of the vehicle.
There are all potential causes of serious collisions and if something does happen, it can result in catastrophic injuries. Big rig crashes can cause broken bones, lacerations, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and even worse, death. Understanding what actions you need to take after you or someone you love has been involved in a collision with a big rig is important and you may have the right to pursue legal action.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Depending on the situation, there are a number of parties who can be held liable if a crash occurs due to an overloaded or improperly loaded big rig.
- The driver: In some cases, if a driver does not check his or her cargo to make sure it’s loaded properly, they can be held accountable for any accidents that occur as a result.
- The cargo loader: It is the duty of the cargo loader to make sure everything is loaded properly and the truck abides by the proper weight limits. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable for a crash.
- The trucking company: In some cases, in order to meet deadlines or deliver more products, the trucking company may encourage the cargo loader to put more items in the trailer. This is an act of negligence and may make the company liable for injuries caused.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a big rig crash, it is important to take the proper steps to file a legal action. Our Dallas truck collision lawyers at Aldous \ Walker are here to help you and seek the compensation you deserve. Call us today.