Hickory Hills Truck Accident Attorney
Each year, thousands of truck accidents occur. While some of these accidents are caused by driver fatigue, distracted driving or truck defects, many are due to overweight and improperly balanced loads. Oak Park over weighted truck and load issues create potentially dangerous situations for everyone on the road. These dangers include the following:
- Tires that burst due to the excess weight
- Shifting of the load that can cause steering difficulties
- Brakes that become overtaxed, causing brake failures
- The increased stopping distance required, which may contribute to rear end collisions
- Loss of control of an overweight truck going down a hill
- The greater likelihood of the truck rolling or tipping over
Federal and state laws regulate all aspects of the commercial shipping process. Truck load capacity, or the maximum amount of weight that commercial trucks can legally carry, is clearly outlined and known to every motor carrier in the nation. However, many carriers attempt to increase profits by overloading their trucks.
Oak Park Over Weighted Truck and Load Issues
If the truck’s load is not properly balanced or secured, the chances of an accident also increase. When large commercial trucks are packed, the trucking company must ensure that the load is properly balanced; otherwise, it could make the truck difficult to handle. Unsecured or improperly balanced loads can shift during transport, greatly increasing the chances that the truck will roll over or jackknife if the driver makes a sudden stop or turns too quickly. This is often the case in a drug and alcohol-related truck accident.
Additionally, unsecured cargo may fall into the roadway, spreading potentially deadly debris. If this happens at night, drivers have little warning and may end up with serious, lifelong injuries. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney will investigate a road-debris related accident to determine whether unsecured cargo was a factor.
Trucking Laws
When these types of negligence cause accidents, those responsible can face serious consequences. At Cary J. Wintroub & Associates, our injury attorneys will examine all aspects of your matter to determine whether negligence was a factor in your accident. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, contact us at (312) 726-1021.
