Randy W. Ferguson
IMPROPERLY LOADED AND OVERLOADED TRUCK LAWYERS
We can help you in Madison, Morgan, Lawrence and Limestone Counties and the surrounding areas.
One of the main causes of truck accidents in Alabama is improperly loaded or overloaded trailers. The employee who loads the cargo is expected to make sure the truck, including the trailer and all items inside, is properly loaded and does not exceed the maximum weight limit set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When they are overloaded or improperly loaded, they can easily cause deadly accidents. One common reason for truck collisions is a driver’s loss of control of an overweight or overloaded truck. A number of factors can lead to these truck accidents, including intoxicated and fatigued driving, severe weather, an improperly maintained vehicle, and improperly loaded cargo. In fact, improper and overloaded trucks can pose a serious danger, which is why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict regulations that trucking companies are expected to follow. When a truck is overloaded or improperly loaded, it can affect how the truck handles, which is especially dangerous in rainy or snowy conditions or in emergency stopping situations. Trucks operating under these conditions may be subject to rollovers or jackknifes, causing the driver to lose control of the rig. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an accident caused by an improperly loaded truck, you need the best truck accident lawyer you can hire in Alabama. We offer free, no obligation consultations to all truck accident victims. Call 256-534-3435 now. We are here to help.
Federal regulations cap the weight limit of commercial vehicles at 80,000 pounds. An overloaded, unevenly distributed, unsecured or improperly loaded truck can cause an accident due to the following reasons:
- Overturning due to one side being heavier than the other
- Brakes failing to stop the overloaded truck in time
- Jackknifing caused by the heavier trailer
- Loads or cargo falling on individuals
Improperly Loaded Trucks
A truck that is improperly loaded can be just as great of a hazard as a truck that is overloaded. When trucks are loaded, they should be loaded in a balanced manner. Loading the cargo too much to one side or the other can cause the truck to tip over or can make turns difficult to make. Loading the cargo in a way that is top heavy can also cause rollovers. It is important that the people loading the truck take care to balance the load in a way that will remain safe for the duration of the trip. A load may also shift in transit. If the load isn’t properly secured, the cargo can shift and become unbalanced. The cargo can also fall from the truck and onto the roadway or other vehicles. Cargo that has shifted inside the trailer can fall out when the trailer is opened, and potentially injure the driver, unloading crew, or bystanders.
Overloaded Trucks
Overloaded eighteen wheelers can make the vehicle far more sluggish, difficult to drive, and slower to respond to emergency situations and avert collisions. Semi trucks that exceed the federal weight limits have increased risks of tire wear that can cause blowouts, rollovers, and jack-knifing. They can also be dangerous to older roads and aging bridges. Overloading also poses the risk of falling cargo that can strike vehicles, individuals or create dangers in the roadway.
Responsible Parties
There are a number of parties we can pursue who might be responsible for causing your injuries. These include the following:
- Truck driver
- Employer of the driver
- Company who loaded truck
- Owner of the truck
- Leasing company
- Owner of the truck trailer
- Truck maintenance company
- Company who unloaded truck
- Workers Compensation/employer
- State or county road maintenance
Why Hire Ferguson & Ferguson
Like all trucking accidents, these types of accidents typically cause catastrophic or fatal injuries such as burns, fractures, amputations, brain injuries or spinal cord injuries. Our Alabama truck accident attorneys have more than 50 years of experience handling these types of cases, and are committed to helping victims secure the compensation they need to pay for their medical bills and any other damages resulting from their injuries. We can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a crash caused by an overloaded or improperly loaded truck, contact one of our Alabama truck accident lawyers today to schedule a consultation regarding your case. Our Alabama truck accident attorneys only collect a fee if we secure compensation on your behalf.
