The Hazards of Trucking: 3 Dangers of Overloaded Trucks and Improperly Loaded Cargo

Driving a big truck is dangerous just by nature. The size of the truck itself and the logistics of driving it make it difficult to control if you are not paying complete attention or if anything gets in the way unexpectedly. Overloading your truck with cargo or loading it improperly takes an inherently dangerous situation and makes it even more perilous.

Although commercial trucks are regulated by state and federal laws, that doesn’t mean that drivers or loaders don’t try to cut corners, rush, or make mistakes. Sometimes these errors can result in severe injuries or fatalities.

There are many things that can happen to cause accidents when a truck does not properly load their cargo. Here are three dangers of overloaded trucks and improperly loaded cargo that you should watch out for.

Be Careful of These 3 Problems with Trucks and Cargo

1. Too much weight can cause equipment damage. Most commercial trucks already weigh between 10,000 and 80,000 pounds. Because of the danger of steering such a massive vehicle, they are heavily regulated.

Depending on the truck, it has a certain set carrying capacity. Going over this capacity can cause damage to the braking system, engine, tires, or frame and result in unexpected breakdowns and accidents. Many semi truck accident lawyers will tell you that it wasn’t the driver that caused the accident – it was the overloaded cargo, but the end result is still the same.

2. Difficulty steering and stopping is worse with too much cargo. When a driver has too much weight in his or her vehicle, they can lose control of the truck. This can cause the truck to jackknife or roll over, often taking other cars around the truck with it. When a large truck impacts another vehicle, the damage is always extensive.

3. Improperly loaded cargo can cause the truck to shift off balance. There’s a science to loading cargo in a large truck. It has to be even, balanced, and secure. Any deviation from these three factors throws the truck out of balance. This lack of stability can make the truck overbalance on the road and cause it to tip. When a truck is being loaded, these three factors need to be considered carefully.

That same improperly loaded cargo can also be secured wrong. If the cargo jostles loose during the trip, it can fly out and hit other vehicles around it in an open vehicle. The cargo could also roll out and injury the person who opens the truck’s doors at the destination.

Driving a Truck is a Serious Responsibility

It’s not always seen as an important job, but driving a truck takes a lot of responsibility. The dangers behind controlling a vehicle that can be upwards of 80,000 pounds are not to be taken lightly. However, no matter how careful the driver is, accidents can happen.

Collisions involving a large truck are almost always significant. If you were in an accident with a semi truck, be sure to contact a knowledgeable attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.