Truck Accidents Due to Load Issues
When a semi-truck is overloaded or not loaded properly, accidents are far more likely. The truck accidents that do occur can cause serious personal injury and death for not only the driver of the truck, but for others on the road.
Why Overloaded and Improperly Loaded Trucks are Dangerous
When a truck is carrying more weight than it should, it becomes more difficult for the driver to stop, simply because more weight means more momentum. Also, when a load is not balanced or inappropriately secured for transit, the truck is harder for a driver to steer. It is also easier for the driver to lose control.
Other ways an improperly loaded truck is hazardous:
- An overloaded truck on a downhill slope goes faster than intended and can stress a brake system into failure.
- It takes an overloaded semi-truck longer to stop, and a driver cannot react to quick traffic changes.
- Overloaded trucks can put too much weight on tires, causing semi-truck tires to blow out during a drive.
- Trucks with too heavy a load move slower uphill, increasing the chance of rear-end collisions with other vehicles, especially on blind curves.
- An improperly balanced or too-heavy load can affect the truck’s center of gravity, resulting in steering failure or a rollover accident.
Trucking Laws and Weigh Stations
Federal, state and local trucking laws govern the amount of weight a commercial semi-truck can carry at any time. Laws are also in place that guide combined truck-cargo weight, weight distribution, and tire and axle load. Cities and towns across the country also have weight limits established for their roads and bridges to avoid unnecessary wear and tear, or even collapse.
Truck weigh stations are present alongside major U.S. highways and at state lines. Drivers are required to stop for inspections when these stations are operating. Cargo is checked and weighed. If a truck is determined to be improperly loaded, a ticket can be issued, or the truck can be held at the checkpoint until an overweight permit is obtained from authorities.
Responsibility of Truck Loads
Truck drivers are typically charged with inspecting their loads to ensure proper weight and distribution of weight and that the cargo will not shift during transport. However, trucking companies, loading affiliates and government inspection workers can also be held accountable when an improperly loaded truck is allowed to travel on our roadways and a serious tractor-trailer accident results.
The commercial trucking law is complex. For more information, visit the comprehensive online truck accident resource center provided by the experienced Washington, D.C.-area semi-truck accident team at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/personal-injury-articles/truck-accidents-due-to-load-issues-1594928.html
Related Posts
- Robert Brenner, Esq. Offers Legal Support to the Victims of Electrical Accidents
- Personal Injury - How It Differs From Other Law Practice?
- Dog Attack Compensation Claim
- Multi Car Accident Near Santa Paula, California Leaves Twelve Injured
- Best Laguna Beach Bars to Watch Sports or Places to Listen To Live Music by Laguna Beach Truck Accident Lawyer Sebastian Gibson
- How To Find The Appropriate Personal Injury Lawyer
- How to Compensate for a Bus Accident Injury
- The Process of Making a Burn Injury Claim
- Reasons behind Accident on Motorways
- Leading construction firm ordered to pay compensation after worker death
