Scranton Overloaded Truck Accident Lawyer
Semi trucks are large vehicles that can weigh tens of thousands of pounds. These heavy trucks can be hard to control on the roadways, especially when they are full of cargo. When the cargo is imbalanced or poorly loaded, it can lead to serious issues, particularly accidents.
Because of this, commercial truck companies and their drivers must comply with strict cargo regulations. They must not only adhere to specific weight limits but they must also follow various guidelines for loading and securing cargo. Too much cargo and unbalanced loads can cause a load to spill onto the roadway or increase the chances of an accident.
If an overloaded truck has caused your accident, seek legal help from the Needle Law Firm. Contact our Scranton overloaded truck accident lawyers today to get the compensation you deserve.
How an Overloaded Truck Can Cause an Accident
There are several ways in which an overloaded truck can cause an accident, such as:
- Errors in loading cargo are the leading cause of truck rollovers. Too much cargo can cause the load to be top heavy, making the truck prone to rolling over if the driver makes a turn at high speeds.
- Going downhill. Downhill velocity is an issue with semi trucks. The truck’s brakes will experience much more strain when going downhill with a heavy load. This increases the risk of brake failure.
- Tire blowouts. Improperly loading a truck can increase the stress on the tires, causing a blowout. This can cause the driver to lose control of the truck and cause an accident.
- Falling cargo. Unsecured cargo could fly off a truck, which means that vehicles next to or behind the truck face the highest risk of getting hit by an object. This can result in serious accidents and injuries.
- Jackknife accidents. A truck that is overloaded with cargo is harder to control. Improper steering and braking can lead to jackknife accidents.
Who is Liable?
There are several entities who could be held liable in an overloaded truck accident:
- Truck driver. If the driver overloaded the truck or drove the truck negligently, then they can be held liable.
- Trucking company. Sometimes the trucking company has a role in the cargo loading and they can be held liable.
- Loading company. If a loading company was the one who loaded the cargo improperly, then they can be held liable.
- Cargo owner. If the owner of the cargo dictated how the cargo should be loaded, then they can be at fault for any accidents.
Contact Needle Law Firm Today
Truck drivers and trucking companies need to be mindful of loading cargo onto trucks. Loading the cargo incorrectly or loading too much can cause balance issues, which can lead to accidents.
The Scranton overloaded truck lawyers from Needle Law Firm can help you deal with the effects of a truck accident. These cases can be complicated, so schedule a free consultation today. Call (570) 344-1266 or fill out the online form.
