Overloaded Trucks
An overloaded truck is when a company loads too much cargo than what the vehicle can safely carry. There are many risks in overloading a truck and they can all be a cause for an accident. Unfortunately, not only can a truck carrying too much weight be dangerous, but if the weight isn’t distributed equally across the axles and if the load isn’t properly secured can also be issues.
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Dangers of Overloaded Trucks
Some of the dangers of driving an overloaded truck according to The Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine are:
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Losing control in inclement weather or around curves.
This loss of control can result in the driver swerving to avoid hitting other vehicles and causing the truck to fall off the road.
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There is an increased risk that the truck will rollover during a collision or while they are driving around a curve.
Even if they are driving slowly, the truck still has the potential of rolling over if it’s carrying enough weight.
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Not being able to stop in time at traffic changes, stop signs, stop lights, and downhill.
When drivers lose control of their overloaded trucks they risk injuring themselves and their passengers in addition to the other drivers and passengers on the road
In an effort to avoid these trucking accidents, federal and state laws were put into place for the companies as well as the drivers. The regulations established by the (FMCSA) have the maximum weight limit of most large commercial vehicles at 80,000 pounds. Depending on the type of truck, such as box trucks or those with single axles, this maximum weight limit may be even lower. This not only protects against accidents but also protects the roads and bridges from further wear and tear as well as breakage.
The FMCSA also enforces a number of rules for trucking operators to load and secure cargo to prevent the shifting of loads during transit. When cargo shifts in the trailer, it can cause vehicles to become severely unbalanced and increase the risk of rollovers, stalling, or jackknifing. Falling cargo can also cause accidents if it hits another vehicle or lands in the road for another vehicle to run into.
Despite the effort, these laws are often circumvented so more deliveries can be made in a shorter amount of time.
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Client Experiences
The staff at Accident Experts is experienced in handling all types of trucking accidents, and we know how complicated and intimidating it can be for you. If you or someone you know has been in an accident involving an overloaded truck, call us today. We look forward to fighting for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
