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.
Whether it is a flat-bed truck or a semi-truck with one or two trailers, the loads they carry can affect the safety of the vehicle. Too much weight or improperly loaded trucks are difficult to control. There are several factors that can affect how the truck performs on the road, including:
- Whether the load is balanced
- If the load is secure and will not shift
- Height of stacked materials
- Total weight
If a truck is not loaded correctly or within the accepted safety standards, it can cause a dangerous situation. Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks can be difficult to maneuver and stop. They can also tip if the load is piled too high or unbalanced. When a load problem causes an accident, the driver and other contributing parties may be liable for any injuries or damages.
Negligent Loading of Commercial Trucks
When an overloaded truck does not stop in time or tips over, causing an accident, it is a form of negligence. The driver is responsible for checking to ensure the load is properly secured and is within the safe weight limits. In addition, the company that owns the truck or employs the driver may be liable as well as the company that helped load the truck.
If a poorly loaded truck causes an injury or fatality accident, proving negligence can be complicated. You need experienced attorneys that can investigate the accident and show that negligence was the cause of the accident to prove liability. Our team at Ligori & Sanders Attorneys at Law has the experience and resources needed to handle these complex injury cases. If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to an overloaded truck accident, contact our office to discuss your legal options.