From basic consumer goods like food, clothing, and electronics to heavy equipment and hazardous substances, tractor-trailers are crucial for moving products across the U.S. According to a 2019 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, over 13 million large trucks transport goods around the country.
Unfortunately, if these oversized trucks are not loaded correctly, catastrophic accidents may occur.
How Truck Loads Cause Accidents
There are three significant ways a truck can crash due to load problems.
1. Heavy Loads
Manufacturers design trucks with a maximum weight limit. If a load weighs more than this limit, the truck may experience the following:
Mechanical malfunctions due to excess stress on the engine and other systems
Difficulty stopping or slowing on steep downward inclines
Brakes failing to bring the truck to a stop as quickly as needed
2. Improperly Secured Loads
Trucking company employees must secure goods before transport. When heavy items move, the following may happen:
Objects can crash into the drivers’ cabs, causing them to lose control
Loads may fall off the bed and cause a debris field or crush another vehicle
Shifting goods might cause the truck to overturn
If trucks lose a load of hazardous chemicals, the entire community may be at risk for injury.
3. Unbalanced Loans
Unequally distributed loads may cause the brakes, tires, and other mechanical parts to wear unevenly, leading to mechanical malfunctions and accidents. An unbalanced load also makes it easier for the truck to tip or jackknife.
Federal Laws Hold Various Parties Liable
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires transportation companies to follow specific load-securing routines. If loads shift and cause an accident, the injured party may file a lawsuit against the negligent parties.
Knowing who is responsible when large truckloads shift and cause accidents allows injured people the opportunity to collect damages.
Don't hesitate to reach out to Shay + Associates Law Firm if you require the expertise of a skilled personal injury lawyer in Springfield or Decatur, Illinois.