Accidents with Poorly Loaded Trucks

Very few vehicles on the road are as dangerous as a poorly loaded truck. If the load shifts to either side or falls out, the results could be catastrophic. Due to the sheer size of commercial trucks and the amount of cargo they tend to carry, the consequences of a truck accident can be far more devastating than that of a car accident.

Safety Hazards Posed by Poorly Loaded Trucks

The Risk of Tipping, Decoupling, and Jackknife Accidents

One of the main reasons why a poorly loaded truck can be a menace to other motorists on the roadway is the amount of cargo it carries. For example, it is not uncommon for a tandem axel vehicle to carry as much as 30,000 pounds of cargo.

In such cases, it is extremely important to load the cargo properly and make sure that the weight is evenly distributed along the body of the truck. Otherwise, the cargo can easily shift while the truck is in motion, which can make it difficult for the driver to control the truck.

If the cargo happens to shift to the left or right while the truck is approaching a corner or a bend, the driver might lose control and the truck can easily tip over as a result. When it does, any vehicle that gets caught underneath can get crushed beyond recognition.

In some cases, unevenly distributed cargo can cause the trailer portion of the truck to separate from its cab, resulting in a decoupling accident. In such a scenario, the trailer which is uncoupled from the truck can crash into other vehicles, which can result in a pileup.

In some other cases, unevenly distributed cargo can lead to a severe reduction in steering control, making it harder for the driver to make sharp turns, especially if the road surface is slippery. The uneven distribution of weight can also cause the brakes to lock up, which in turn can cause the cab portion and the trailer portion to fold in on each other, resulting in a jackknife accident.

The Risk of Cargo Falling from the Truck

If the cargo is not evenly loaded and secured, it can fall out while the truck is in motion. When it happens, the vehicles that are directly behind the truck might have to swerve rapidly to avoid colliding with the cargo, which can cause them to collide into other vehicles, resulting in a catastrophic accident.

In some cases, the cargo can topple out of the truck and strike another vehicle directly, the results of which can be equally catastrophic.

The Risk of Fatal Injuries

There are a couple of reasons why the risk of fatal injuries is extremely high in a truck accident compared to a car accident.

• First, commercial trucks are absolutely massive in size and transport loads that weigh tens of thousands of pounds. So, even if a portion of a truck or the cargo collides with another vehicle, the drivers as well as the passengers can suffer fatal injuries.
• Secondly, and more importantly, a vast majority of truck accidents tend to occur on freeways, where people tend to drive at high speed. So, if two or more vehicles collide into each other and if one of those vehicles happens to be a tractor-trailer, the consequences can be fatal for the people involved.

Federal Guidelines for Loading Commercial Trucks

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires trucking companies, loaders, and drivers to follow the guidelines given below while loading a truck:

• The load must be distributed along the body of the vehicle in such a way that it does not move or shift even at high speeds.
• The distribution of the load must not affect the maneuverability of the vehicle in any way.
• The load must be secured with the help of grab hooks, chains, wire ropes, clamps, shackles, stake pockets, steel strapping, synthetic webbing, bracing, friction mats, and other such securing devices.
• The truck’s load limit must not be exceeded for any reason.
• The cargo should be secured with multiple tie-downs to prevent side-to-side, forward, backward, and vertical movements. This is particularly important while transporting construction rubble, topsoil, gravel, and other such loose materials.

Determining Liability in Poorly Loaded Truck Accidents

If the accident was a direct result of the driver’s carelessness, he/she can be held liable for the damages resulting from it.

If, on the other hand, the cargo/shipping company also played a role in it – by failing to adhere to federal guidelines for securing the load, for example – they can also be held liable for the damages resulting from it.

Legal Help for Victims of Truck Accidents in Alabama

If you or any of your family members have been injured in an accident in Alabama that was caused by a poorly loaded truck, attorney Chip Nix is here to help! Mr. Nix has over 40 years of experience handling personal injury lawsuits and has successfully represented countless clients in his career as a litigator.

You can schedule a free consultation with Mr. Nix by messaging us online or calling 334-279-770.