Large trucks, including semis or 18 wheelers, frequent the highways and roads all over the state of Georgia. Although they are involved in fewer accidents per mile than passenger vehicles, there are still hundreds of thousands of trucking accidents every year.
For these reasons, it’s important for automobile drivers and motorcyclists to be weary and use caution when sharing the road with these large vehicles.
Trucking accidents can occur for many different reasons. You may not realize it, but improper cargo loading has caused a significant number of accidents. In fact, it is one of the most common causes of trucking accidents. Learn more from the trucking accident lawyers at Ashenden & Hollingsworth, P.C., below.
Truck Accidents Caused by Improper Cargo Load
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has strict loading regulations, which includes the way the cargo should be loaded, minimum and maximum cargo weights, and how cargo should be secured. Although these rules are set in place, laws sometimes go unfollowed, resulting in improperly loaded trucks that can cause bodily injury, property damage, and even fatalities.
There is a science to loading a truck so that the vehicle can safely transport cargo from one city to the next. When cargo is incorrectly loaded or secured, it can cause instability in a number of ways:
• Overloaded cargo can cause top heaviness.
• An under-filled liquid tank could cause balance issues as the liquid can splash around in the cargo area.
• If a load is top heavy, it could cause the truck to roll over.
• When cargo is left loose and unsecured, cargo could fly off into oncoming traffic.
Types of Improper Loading Trucking Accidents
Although great emphasis is put on securing heavy cargo loads and balancing cargo within truck, accidents can still occur. The following accidents can occur if trucks are improperly loaded with cargo:
- Jackknife Accidents: If cargo is improperly loaded or unsecured, the truck can become unstable. When turning, the cargo can cause the back of the truck to swing towards the front of the truck, also known as jackknifing. This can cause significant damage and horrific accidents.
- Sideswipe Accidents: Improperly loaded trucks can swing over into other lanes of traffic, which can be extremely dangerous with other drivers and motorcyclists on the road. This is one of the most common types of trucking accidents.
- Rollover Accidents: Jackknife and sideswipe accidents can quickly turn into a roller accident. These are the most common with top-heavy or overloaded vehicles. When a truck goes to change lanes or make a turn, the instability of the cargo can cause the truck to completely turn over, causing injuries or fatalities. The cargo from the truck is likely to spill onto the road.
Contact Ashenden & Hollingsworth, P.C., for a Free Consultation
If you are or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident that you believe has been caused by improper cargo loading, contact the trucking accident lawyers at Ashenden & Hollingsworth, P.C.
You and your family may be entitled to compensation. Call us at (770) 394-8909 or fill out our online contact form to speak with an Atlanta trucking accident attorney today.
