Types of Cargo Carried by Large Trucks
Injured in a Truck Accident Caused by Overloaded Cargo?
Large commercial trucks are one of the primary means of transporting heavy cargo. They move millions of tons of hazardous materials, chemicals, and heavy equipment across U.S. highways every day. These materials include fuels to power our cars, machinery to run factories, and hazardous chemicals of all types and uses.
Because of the sheer weight of the cargo and its impact on the truck's maneuverability, there are several key safety regulations that must be followed to ensure the vehicles are loaded properly. These must be followed by the driver and the loading dock workers responsible for loading the cargo. While most trucking companies strive to transport their valuable products safely, drivers can often run into issues of human error, causing serious accidents that are only aggravated by the dangerous type or amount of cargo they are carrying. When accidents are caused by overloaded or poorly loaded cargo, companies, drivers, or other parties may be held responsible.
Were you involved in an accident due to cargo issue? Call Arnold & Itkin today at (888) 493-1629 for a free consultation with our truck accident lawyers in Houston.
Common Hazards Involving Truck Cargo
- Overloading
Trucks are designed with a specific maximum weight amount they can safely transport. Sometimes, in effort to move more cargo in a single trip, trucks will be loaded with more cargo than they are designed to carry. Overloading a truck can cause an accident for a variety of reasons. Longer stopping distances can lead to rear-end collisions. Too much weight on the tires can cause a blowout. Too much stress on the mechanical components can lead to a breakdown. Increased speed while traveling downhill and decreased speed while traveling uphill can put other motorists at risk. - Improperly Secured Cargo
Failing to properly secure or load the cargo into the trailer presents several dangers. Shifting cargo can cause the truck to jackknife or rollover when making sharp turns. Shifting cargo can also make the truck more difficult to steer and maneuver. Finally, improperly loaded cargo is more likely to break free of the trailer and spill on the road.
