How do improperly loaded trailers contribute to truck accidents?

| Jun 24, 2021 | Truck Accidents |

Atlanta residents and those on the road in other areas see their fair share of tractor-trailers. You may feel like many other travelers who experience some apprehension about driving near these massive vehicles because you know that it is far too easy for a serious accident to occur. Unfortunately, you may have recently found yourself in one of those accidents. 

Because truck accidents typically cause serious injuries, especially to those in smaller vehicles, you may be facing a long road to recovery. As part of that recovery process, you may be looking into your legal options for pursuing compensation for damages you suffered. As you do so, you may also be looking more closely at your accident to determine how the truck driver and trucking company may have been at fault. 

Was the trailer improperly loaded? 

Truck drivers — like all drivers — have a responsibility to ensure that they follow the law, drive safely and secure any cargo they haul. If a truck’s cargo is improperly loaded, that issue could easily contribute to a truck that is less easy to keep under control and could, ultimately, contribute to a serious accident. Some ways in which one may not properly load a trailer may include: 

  • Not securing the cargo to prevent sliding or shifting 
  • Overloading the trailer and potentially exceeding the maximum weight ratings for the vehicle, which could lead to braking issues and other equipment malfunctions 
  • Hauling an oversized load without the proper permits, signs, lights, escort vehicles or care 
  • Loading cargo too high, which could throw off the vehicle’s center of gravity and make it more susceptible to roll-over accidents 
  • Carrying an unbalanced load or an off-center load that can make the trailer more difficult to handle and cause vehicle equipment malfunctions 

These issues could quickly and easily make a truck driver less able to fully control the vehicle and trailer and, thus, contribute to a serious accident. 

Seeking compensation 

Whether an improperly loaded trailer or another issue on the part of the truck driver or trucking company caused the accident that led to your injuries, you may have reason to file a personal injury claim. This claim could help you work toward holding the liable parties accountable for the damages you suffered and possibly receive monetary restitution for those damages.