Overloaded Trucks Injury Lawyer
Large commercial trucks, like semi-trailers, can haul tons of cargo. Some trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully-loaded, and even more if they are overloaded. Truck drivers and the companies they work for get paid based on how much and how quickly they can deliver loads. When profits become more important than safety, trucks can be overloaded and cause safety risks to everyone on the road, including severe truck accidents. If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law to discuss your case. We have offices located in Tampa, Orlando, Ocala, Lakeland and Key West, Florida.
Ensuring Safe Loads: The Impact on Truck Safety and Liability
The safety of a commercial truck, whether it’s a flat-bed truck or a semi-truck hauling one or two trailers, is heavily influenced by the nature and handling of the loads they carry. Improper loading practices or excess weight can significantly impact the truck’s maneuverability and stability on the road, potentially leading to hazardous situations. Several key factors contribute to how a truck performs with its load, including:
- Load Balance: Ensuring that the weight of the cargo is evenly distributed across the truck’s axles to maintain stability and prevent tipping.
- Load Security: Securing the cargo properly to prevent shifting during transit could destabilize the truck and compromise its handling.
- Height of Stacked Materials: Monitoring the height of stacked materials to prevent overhangs or obstructions that could pose a hazard to other motorists or impede visibility.
- Total Weight: Adhering to weight limits and regulations to prevent overloading, which can strain the truck’s braking system and increase the risk of accidents.
When a truck is not loaded correctly or fails to comply with safety standards, it can create a dangerous environment on the road. Overloaded trucks are more challenging to maneuver and stop effectively, increasing the likelihood of collisions or loss of control. Moreover, improperly loaded trucks may be prone to tipping over, especially if the load is stacked too high or distributed unevenly.
Negligent Loading of Commercial Trucks
When an overloaded truck fails to come to a stop in time or tips over, resulting in an accident, it constitutes a clear case of negligence. The truck driver bears the primary responsibility for ensuring that the load is not only properly secured but also within the prescribed weight limits deemed safe for transportation. This duty of care entails meticulous inspection and adherence to loading protocols before embarking on the journey. Moreover, the liability for such incidents extends beyond the driver alone; the company owning the truck or employing the driver may also share legal responsibility for the accident. Additionally, the entity involved in the loading process, whether it’s the trucking company itself or a third-party contractor, may be held accountable for any oversights or failures in adhering to industry safety standards. Thus, when an overloaded truck leads to an accident, the resulting legal ramifications may encompass multiple parties, each potentially liable for the damages and injuries incurred as a consequence of their negligence.
Advocacy for Victims of Truck Accidents Due to Improper Loading
At Ligori & Ligori, our legal team recognizes the complexities involved in determining liability in truck accidents stemming from load-related issues. We are committed to advocating for the rights of accident victims and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by improper loading practices, we encourage you to seek legal guidance and explore your options for pursuing compensation. Our experienced attorneys stand ready to provide the support and representation you need to seek justice and rebuild your life in the aftermath of a trucking-related incident. If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to an overloaded truck accident, contact our office to discuss your legal options.