Improperly Loaded Trucks

All parts of a commercial truck must be in top working condition and prepared or maintained safely, right down to how much cargo is placed into the trailer. An imbalanced or overloaded tractor-trailer may be a direct or indirect source of a semi-truck accident. Proving its involvement in your truck accident can remove liability from your shoulders and place it back onto the trucking company.

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• 100-plus years of total legal experience
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Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A. can be your one-stop legal shop for handling all aspects of your truck accident claim. We encourage you to call us at 419-719-5195 whenever you need help. All initial consultations are free!

Issues Caused By Improperly Loaded Trailers

A tractor-trailer that is overloaded or unsafely loaded does not cause problems only for the truck driver but also for every other motorist on the highway. An improperly loaded trailer or cargo storage bay on the back of a truck can cause or exacerbate a number of issues. Hazards caused by an improperly or overloaded trailer include:

• Brake failure: An estimated 30% of all truck accidents involve some sort of truck brake failure. Nothing wears more on a truck’s brake system than an overloaded trailer. If the trucker is not aware that his or her trailer has been overloaded by crews at the warehouse, it could result in a disaster when the truck driver attempts to brake in an emergency situation later that day.
• Loose debris: Improperly loaded trailers often leave cargo and freight unsecured. During regular transit, or when the commercial truck hits a bump, debris and objects can fly into the lanes behind and around the truck, striking vehicles.
• Tipping: A strong gust of wind can tip over a commercial truck. If a trailer is top-heavy due to incorrect loading procedures, it is all the more likely that a rush of wind will knock it over and onto adjacent lanes.
• Jackknife accidents: When a big rig needs to hit the brakes suddenly, the momentum of the entire vehicle shifts back toward the end of the trailer. One that is overloaded can cause the trailer to keep rushing forward while the tractor stops, resulting in a dangerous jackknife accident that blocks multiple or all lanes.
• Runaway trailers: Improperly loaded or secured trailers can become loose from the tractor while traveling on highways. This may result in a trailer rolling off on its own, causing massive damage wherever it ends up.

An improperly loaded trailer is also a violation of federal regulations. If the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) investigates the trucking company that owned the truck that hit you, any reports or findings collected by the safety group could be used to your advantage in your claim.

Experienced Lawyers Working For You

Taking on a trucking company after being in an accident is probably not something you want to do. Let our Toledo truck accident lawyers manage your claim on your behalf. We are prepared to negotiate a fair settlement that considers all of your damages. If the liable party is being stubborn, we have the know-how and tenacity to take the matter to court.

Ready to start your case? Contact us today.