5 Reasons Overloaded Trucks Are Dangerous

An overloaded truck can cause severe dangers from strained and failed brakes, maneuverability issues, shifting cargo, and many other problems. However, these trucks are subjected to rules and regulations due to their size, making them safe while on our busy highways. If the truck driver does not adhere to regulations regarding the load they are carrying and they cause an accident, the injuries can range from severe to deadly. If you or a loved one has been severely injured, or worse-killed, due to an overloaded truck, we can help.

Semi-Truck Regulations

Commercial trucks are highly regulated because of the dangers they pose. When loading a truck, all drivers must follow strict yet straightforward rules. These regulations are:

Load Distribution

The truck's cargo weight must be evenly distributed throughout the trailer. Having the cargo evenly distributed throughout the truck ensures the truck maintains its balance.

Secure Cargo

Securing the cargo of a truck should go without saying. Unsecured cargo can make it uneven as it shifts and moves, or worse, leave the trailer and hit cars behind it.

No Cargo Over the Weight Limit

Again, keeping the cargo load weight under the total allowed will ensure the truck is safe and ready to travel.

Why Are Overloaded Trucks So Dangerous?

Overloaded trucks cause many dangerous circumstances. There are many reasons truck drivers have the regulations they do. The five main dangers of overloaded trucks are:

1. Stress on Mechanical Parts

An overloaded truck can stress out the needed mechanical parts of the truck. For example, the suspension can be damaged by an overloaded truck. The suspension is key to keeping the truck from bouncing all over the road or keeping the truck steady and stable. If this part of the truck breaks with a heavy weight, it can cause a severe truck accident.

2. It Takes Longer to Stop

Semi-trucks already take a longer time to stop than regular sedans. However, if the truck is overloaded, it will take even longer and could cause a collision.

3. Break Damage

While overloaded trucks cause the truck to take longer to stop, they can also cause permanent damage to the brakes. When a semi-truck is driving 70MPH and needs to stop, damaged breaks will make stopping incredibly difficult. Damaged breaks on such a heavy and massive vehicle can cause deadly accidents.

4. Steering Difficulty

Semi-trucks are already challenging to steer on roads built for small sedans. However, when that truck is overloaded, it can be almost impossible to steer the truck safely. As anyone that has driven knows, steering with quick reactions is crucial to avoiding accidents. A severe accident is bound to happen if the truck driver can't steer their vehicle.

5. Massive Tire Blowouts

Semi-truck tires are massive, so it can be dangerous when they blow out. These tire blowouts are another reason overloaded trucks are dangerous to other drivers. Having a truck that's too heavy for the tires can cause a massive tire blowout.

Do I Need to Hire an Overloaded Truck Lawyer?

If you have been injured in a truck accident that wasn't your fault, contacting a truck accident lawyer will ensure you get the most compensation possible. We are experienced finding out the cause of the accident, determining liability, and then seeking out the most compensation.

Recent Case Win

Our client’s family member was traveling on a mountain road in northern North Carolina when an overloaded truck crossed the center line, causing an instant fatality.

The truck driver had left I-77 because he knew the truck to be overloaded and did not want to be spotted by law enforcement officials. Once the truck descended a steep decline, the brakes overheated and failed. It struck a client’s family member’s car, burst into flame, and killed the occupant.

The truck company wanted to settle immediately but tempered its offer by claiming that the accident was unforeseeable.

We proceeded with a thorough investigation that included sifting through burned evidence. We also argued that the required pre-trip inspection should have indicated the dangerous conditions. Our representation resulted in a remarkable, confidential financial recovery for surviving family members.

How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?

We work on a contingency basis for personal injury claims such as a fatal car accidents. A contingency fee basis means we do not charge you anything unless we win a settlement in or out of court. This fee structure ensures we work hard for your case and that you don't have even more out-of-pocket expenses during a stressful time. We also offer contingency fee schedules for other practice areas, such as:

• Personal Injury lawyer
• Fatal car accident lawyer
• Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer 
• and more

Contact Our Law Firm For Help — Begin With A Free Consultation