Improperly loaded and overloaded trucks pose a serious risk on the road. When cargo isn’t secured or weight limits are exceeded, the vehicle can become unstable, making steering and braking more difficult and raising the chances of rollovers or jackknifing. Understanding who is liable and how you can take legal action is essential.
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident due to an improperly loaded or overloaded truck, contact our St. Louis truck accident lawyers at Meyerkord & Kurth today.
Why Improper Loading and Overloading Are Dangerous
Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks can be a danger to everyone on the road. When cargo isn’t secured or weight limits are exceeded, handling becomes unstable and unpredictable. Here’s what happens:
- Impact on Truck Stability: Extra weight raises the center of gravity and can cause swaying, loss of control, or rollovers, especially on curves or during sharp maneuvers.
- Longer Time Needed to Stop: The heavier a vehicle is, the more time it needs to stop. If a truck driver doesn’t account for this, it’s more likely to lead to a rear-end crash.
- Cargo Shifts: Unsecured items can move around during braking or cornering, shifting the load balance.This can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
- Higher Risk of Accidents: Heavy, unbalanced trucks are more prone to jackknifing, tipped trailers, and tire failures, particularly at highway speeds. Following proper loading rules and weight limits helps protect drivers and other road users.
If your accident was caused by a truck driver who didn’t load their truck properly, you may be able to file a car accident claim in St. Louis for compensation.
Who Could Be Liable For a Truck Accident Resulting From Improper or Overloaded Loads in St. Louis?
Liability in these crashes can be a bit more complicated than it originally seems, and the only way to get compensation for your losses is to know who to file a claim against. Possible liable parties include:
The Driver
The person behind the wheel is responsible for safely loading and securing any items being put on the truck. If the driver overweights or misloads, they can be held liable for the crash.
The Trucking Company or Fleet Manager
Companies must enforce loading rules, provide proper training, and supervise operations. They can be liable for negligent loading practices or failure to maintain safe procedures.
The Shipper or Loader
The person loading the truck isn’t always the driver. When it’s someone else, whoever loads the cargo can be at fault for improper stacking, improper weight declarations, or unsafe distribution that makes the vehicle unstable.
Equipment Maker or Supplier
Defective tie-downs, straps, or other securing devices can play a part in a crash. If a faulty product caused the load to shift, the manufacturer or supplier may share liability.
Why a St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer is Essential in These Accident Cases
Working with a truck accident lawyer in St. Louis is essential in these cases because these crashes involve many possible liable parties. A lawyer will undertake a thorough investigation, obtaining important evidence like loading records and maintenance logs, and work with engineers to show how improper loading caused the crash. The St. Louis truck accident attorney also makes sure all deadlines are met and can take the case to trial if needed.
If you are ready to get started with your claim, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our St. Louis truck accident lawyer at Meyerkord & Kurth.