Large commercial trucks and cargo vehicles are often larger and heavier than other types of cars and trucks on the road. Because of this, it is much more likely that these types of vehicles will cause significant damage in the event of a crash. Even when moving at a low rate of speed, semitrailers can cause crashes that may leave innocent Texas motorists with serious or fatal injuries. Truck accidents can happen for many reasons, including speeding, fatigued driving or even improperly loaded cargo.
Semitrailers and other types of cargo vehicles have large compartments so they can transport goods and products across the country. When fully loaded, the weight of these large vehicles can increase dramatically, making it important to ensure the trailers are balanced and safe. When loaded improperly, semitrailers are more likely to crash and cause significant damage.
Improper loading and how to address this problem
A truck accident is often a devastating and traumatic event, especially for the individuals who are in smaller passenger vehicles. When transporting goods, it is important to ensure that you have balanced and loaded all cargo safely. Issues with improperly loaded cargo include:
- When a semitrailer’s cargo is imbalanced, it makes it more likely that a truck will flip, especially when making a turn.
- Unsecured cargo could shift during transport, causing the trailer to move unexpectedly, which may in turn cause the trucker to crash.
- When there is too much cargo in a trailer, it can put it over the allowed weight limit. Overweight trailers are more difficult to control, and they may be more difficult to stop while also maintaining control.
Truckers are responsible for driving their trucks carefully and cautiously, including ensuring the proper loading of the cargo they are transporting. Likewise, trucking companies should have policies in place that enforce safety standards and adhere to regulations.
Your rights after a truck accident
If you are the victim of a truck accident, it is possible that you are suffering as a result of the negligent or reckless choices of another party. It is in your interests to seek guidance regarding the legal options that may be available to you, including the possibility of a civil claim. An assessment of your accident can identify responsible parties you may name in pursuit of reasonable compensation and recovery.