Semi-trucks can haul trailers containing raw materials or goods ready for display in stores. They help transport everything from milk to automobiles fresh off the factory floor. When people talk about the risks of commercial transportation, the focus is usually on driver errors. Distracted or fatigued commercial motorists could cause collisions that have consequences for others.
However, sometimes the issues that cause collisions are completely outside of the control of a transportation professional. Instead, mistakes made by their employers or by the companies in need of transportation services while loading a trailer could be to blame for a crash.
How can the contents of a semi-truck’s trailer increase the risk of a collision?
Contents can shift while on the road
The items contained in the trailer of a semi truck generally need to be secured to comply with federal rules. Proper loading requires an even distribution of weight throughout the trailer. It is also important to secure the items to make sure they do not shift suddenly during transit.
If clients or transportation companies fail to properly secure the contents of a trailer, then the driver could struggle to maintain control of the vehicle. As the contents move, they can affect the distribution of weight. The driver is then at risk of a jackknife incident or possibly a rollover caused by uneven weight distribution.
Despite clear regulations intended to ensure that semi-trucks are safe to operate, loading issues are relatively common. Vehicle issues, including improperly-loaded trailers, are among the leading causes of preventable semi-truck collisions. In cases where a load is to blame for a crash, the transportation company or outside business that loaded the trailer may have a degree of fault for the collision and may be liable for the expenses generated by the crash.
People affected by serious semi-truck collisions often need to replace their vehicles, which may sustain so much damage they are no longer safe to drive. Additionally, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are at risk of sustaining major injuries. People may be able to request compensation for both the cost of their medical care and the impact that their injuries have on their income.
Reviewing the circumstances of a semi-truck collision caused by a poorly-loaded trailer with a skilled legal team can help affected parties understand their rights. The support of a lawyer can prove invaluable when trying to negotiate a large insurance settlement or prepare for personal injury litigation.