Dangers of Improperly Loaded Trucks
Large trucks can weigh 80,000 pounds or more with special overweight permits. The large and heavy loads big rigs carry must be properly balanced and secured for safety reasons. Otherwise, the truck could lose its load in transit, rollover, lose control or otherwise cause serious auto accidents.
Truck Loading and Securement Laws
Special federal laws apply to large commercial trucks and 18-wheelers in California. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has hundreds of rules in place that are designed to improve the safety of the trucking industry. This includes several rules specifically regarding how a truck should be loaded to prevent cargo from shifting or falling:
- Cargo must be secured using proper equipment, such as straps and chains
- The minimum required number of tiedowns must be used based on the size and weight of the cargo
- Securement equipment must be in good condition and inspected often
- Special rules must be obeyed for hazardous cargo
These are only some examples of the cargo loading and securement rules that trucking companies and their workers must follow to ensure safe transports. An improperly loaded or off-balance semi-truck imposes a significant risk of major trucking accidents.
What Are the Risks of Improperly Loaded Trucks?
It is crucial for trucking companies and cargo loaders to obey all relevant loading and securement rules for public safety. Improper truck loading can lead to dangerous shifting loads, balance issues, an altered center of gravity for the truck, too much pressure on the truck’s tires and brakes, equipment failures, and falling cargo.
Top dangers associated with improperly loaded trucks include:
- Rollovers: a poorly loaded truck could be off-balance, which comes with a risk of truck rollovers – especially on curves or downhill.
- Jackknife accidents: imbalanced cargo could also cause the trailer of a truck to swing outward, resulting in a jackknife accident.
- Brake failure: a big rig that is too heavy or overloaded may experience brake failure due to extra strain being placed on the brakes and tires.
- Lost loads: improperly secured loads could lead to cargo spills onto the roadway, potentially striking other vehicles or causing accidents from drivers trying to avoid the debris.
- Loss of vehicle control: an overloaded or off-balance truck can be difficult or impossible for the truck driver to control. A loss of vehicle control can cause the truck to veer into oncoming traffic, swerve into another lane or tip over.
As a driver in California, Los Angeles truck accident lawyers suggest if you notice signs of an improperly loaded truck, steer clear and keep your distance. Red flags can include sagging suspension, tires that appear worn down, trouble stopping, a speeding or careening truck, a leaning truck bed, and excessive exhaust smoke.
Liability for Improperly Loaded Truck Accidents
Trucking companies have a legal responsibility to ensure compliance with all federal cargo loading and securement regulations. Violations of federal laws can increase the odds of commercial truck accidents. When truck accidents from improper loading occur, injured victims have the right to hold trucking companies liable, or legally responsible, for their losses. To prove your case against a trucking company for improperly loaded or secured cargo in California, you or a skilled personal injury attorney in Los Angeles must provide evidence of fault. Contact a personal injury attorney at Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP to find out how we can help you with a claim during a free case evaluation.