Richmond Negligent Truck Loading Accident Lawyers
Over ten billion tons of cargo get shipped around the country via tractor-trailer every year. Transporting that cargo safely requires drivers who are well-rested, trucks that are well-maintained, and trailers that are properly loaded. An overloaded or improperly loaded trailer can cause the truck’s tires or brakes to fail, make the driver lose control, or send the semi into a catastrophic jackknife crash. Truck accidents are nearly always complex events, and figuring out the cause of the crash often requires skilled expertise. At Latham & Martin, our experienced truck accident attorneys use all the resources at our disposal to determine how and why a truck accident happened, including whether the cause is related to negligent trailer loading and if so, which party or parties are responsible. Our team is dedicated to giving our clients personal attention while working to get them adequate compensation for the harm they’ve suffered. Learn more about cargo issues and truck crashes below, and contact our experienced Richmond negligent truck trailer loading accident lawyers if you or a loved one were hurt in a tractor-trailer accident in the City of Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover or Chesterfield County.
FMCSA Regulations Regarding Truck Cargo Loading
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the guidelines that govern the loading and securing of cargo on commercial motor vehicles. These regulations include:
- Weight Limits: A truck’s cargo must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) to ensure safe operation. GVWR is a combination of the truck’s cargo, the truck itself, the weight of the fuel, and other components. Per federal law, semi-trucks cannot exceed 80,000 pounds.
- Proper Tying and Securing: The use of appropriate tie-downs and restraints is mandated to prevent cargo from shifting or falling.
- Inspection Requirements: Drivers are required to inspect cargo within the first 50 miles of travel and re-examine at intervals to assure securement. Cargo that was initially loaded properly can shift during travel, become unsecured or unbalanced, and lead to loss of vehicle control and catastrophic accidents.
Adhering to these regulations is crucial for the safety of all road users.
Dangers of Negligent Truck Loading
Negligent truck loading can lead to catastrophic consequences on the road. The main concerns with negligent truck loading include overloaded trailers, unbalanced loads, and unsecured loads.
- Overloaded Trailers. Overloading a trailer compromises its structural integrity and affects the braking and steering systems, leading to serious accidents and injuries. Too much weight may lead to tire or brake failure or loss of control, causing collisions or rollovers. Truck accident victims may suffer from traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or even fatalities in severe cases.
- Unbalanced Loads. An unbalanced load, where the weight is unevenly distributed, can be equally perilous, causing accidents due to loss of control, tipping, or jackknifing, particularly during sharp turns or sudden braking. Injuries may range from whiplash and spinal injuries to more life-threatening conditions.
- Unsecured Loads. Unsecured or poorly secured loads present grave risks as well. Loose cargo may fall off the truck, hitting other vehicles or creating obstacles that lead to multi-vehicle crashes. Impacts from falling objects can result in lacerations, concussions, and other traumatic injuries.
Contact Latham & Martin Today
If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligent truck trailer loading in Richmond, Virginia, Latham & Martin is ready to help. Our team has the knowledge, skill and dedication needed to represent victims of overloaded trailers, unbalanced loads, and unsecured loads, striving for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact Latham & Martin today to schedule a free consultation. We are committed to your recovery and will fight relentlessly to hold those responsible for negligent truck loading accountable.
