How Can Cargo Contribute to Semi-Truck Accidents?

 Posted on August 22, 2024 in 18-wheeler truck accidents

Did you know tractor-trailers transport almost 75 percent of U.S. domestic freight? A large portion of that cargo travels through Texas, taking goods the country depends on to their destinations. While this cargo is a vital part of our nation’s supply chain, it can also contribute to causing deadly truck accidents.

How does cargo cause collisions? Who is liable for cargo-related accident claims? If you have been hurt in a truck crash because of spilled cargo, do you need a lawyer? Whatever questions you may have, Alford Law PLLC can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Improperly Loaded Cargo Can Contribute to Collisions

Fully loaded, an 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds, and the cargo being transported accounts for much of that weight. Properly loading a truck takes more effort than stacking boxes haphazardly in an enclosed trailer or placing items on a flatbed wherever they will fit. When cargo loaders make errors, they can lead to drivers losing control of the truck.

Weight Distribution

Trailers have multiple axles, with four tires on each. If some cargo is heavier, it should be placed over the axles for optimum stability and weight distribution. Similarly, most of the weight should not be placed on one side of the trailer because that uneven distribution increases the chances of rollover accidents.

Trailer Type and Load Security

Trailers may be flatbed, step-deck, Conestoga, or enclosed with a solid structure. Each type of trailer may have different methods of securing the loads. For instance, heavy chains or straps and tarps may secure freight on flatbeds, while pallets may be stacked tightly in box-type trailers to prevent cargo from shifting during transit. If cargo shifts, it can:

• Cause a rollover

• Break free from the trailer, falling onto surrounding vehicles or becoming roadway obstacles

• Create leaks for liquids, allowing potentially toxic substances to be released

When cargo falls from the trailer or spills through leaks, the truck itself may not be directly involved in resulting collisions and harm, but serious accidents can still happen.

Overweight Loads

Sometimes, more cargo is loaded onto trucks than weight limits allow. A heavier load can put more pressure on tires, leading to blowouts. Brakes may strain to stop the overloaded truck. The more weight a truck carries, the longer stopping time and distance it requires, potentially not giving drivers enough time and space to avoid a collision.

Cargo Loaders May Be Held Liable for Truck Crashes

If cargo issues contribute to a truck accident, the company that loaded it may be responsible for paying at least some of your damages. These cases usually require an investigation to uncover the evidence needed to prove negligence, and most accident victims lack the resources and legal knowledge to conduct a thorough investigation. Alford Law PLLC will investigate your truck crash, determine who is liable, and work to see you get as much compensation as you deserve.

Contact Us Today for Your Free Consultation With Our Skilled San Antonio, TX Truck Accident Lawyer

Injuries from truck crashes are often serious, and you deserve compensation for your losses. Alford Law PLLC can help you get it. Call us now at 210-951-9467 to speak with one of our dedicated Austin, TX personal injury attorneys.