What Types of Accidents Do Improperly Loaded Trucks Cause?
18-wheelers are a critical part of the economy in San Antonio, and throughout Texas. Fully loaded trucks come into the city, or use it as a thoroughfare, as they transport cargo from one location to another. Unfortunately, the cargo on commercial trucks is not always loaded properly. Trucks are sometimes overloaded, which weighs down the vehicle and can cause the driver to lose control of the truck. If you have been hurt in a crash, it is important to speak to a San Antonio overloaded truck accident lawyer who can determine who is liable for paying the damages you deserve.
What Types of Accidents are Caused by Improperly Loaded Trucks?
When commercial trucks are not loaded properly, it can result in many different types of crashes on the road. The most common of these are as follows:
- Lost loads: When cargo on a truck is loaded improperly, it can cause the trailer to become loose or detach completely. A detached trailer will likely crash into other vehicles in the vicinity at a high speed.
- Tire blowouts: Trucks that are overloaded with cargo are far heavier than the law allows. This places immense pressure on the tires and can cause them to blow out, which is very dangerous for nearby vehicles.
- Downhill overruns: Improperly loaded trucks have a great deal of momentum when they travel downhill. This can result in a truck running into, or over, any vehicle that is in front of them.
- Rollover accidents: Due to the heaviness of an improperly loaded truck, the cargo may shift during transit, which can also cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle. This can easily result in a rollover accident.
- Jackknife accidents: It is very difficult for truck drivers to control a vehicle that is improperly loaded. When the cab fully stops, the trailer may continue moving and it will only be able to travel to the side of the cab, resulting in a jackknife accident.
The above are just a few of the most common types of accidents caused by improperly loaded trucks. A truck accident lawyer can determine who is liable for a crash and if it was caused by improperly loaded cargo.
Determining Liability for an Improperly Loaded Truck Accident
It is not always easy to determine who is liable for an improperly loaded truck accident. Most often, liability rests with one of the following:
- Truck drivers who loaded their own cargo and did not do so properly,
- Trucking companies or shippers who encourage overloaded trucks in order to get more product to a certain destination, and
- Loading companies that were hired to load cargo onto the truck.
Our Overloaded Truck Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Can Determine Liability
If you have been injured in a crash, our San Antonio overloaded truck accident lawyer at the Law Office of Israel Garcia can determine who is to blame and hold them accountable for paying the full settlement you deserve. Call us now at 210-LAW-9999 or chat with us online to schedule a free review of your case and to learn more.
Source:
ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/policy/rpt_congress/truck_sw_laws/index.htm
