Truck Accident Attorneys

Causes of Truck Accidents: Overloading

18-wheelers, also called semis, big-rigs, or tractor-trailers, and other vehicular behemoths weigh more than 10,000 pounds and are designed to haul large amounts of cargo. Each trailer has a maximum weight that it should carry. Unfortunately, many trucks are overloaded. When a truck is overloaded, it becomes a serious threat to the safety of others.

Because any truck driver is ultimately responsible for any load that he or she transports, the truck driver is responsible for ensuring that the load is loaded and secured correctly. If a load is not correctly loaded or the truck is overloaded, it is not just a question of safety for other vehicles on the road, but also for the truck driver. It is in a driver’s best interest to ensure that the load complies with any and all load restrictions and regulations.

When a vehicle is overloaded, the steering and braking systems are faced with pressures they are not designed to handle. These vital systems are designed with a maximum load in mind. When the load limit is exceeded, they are compromised. It takes the entire truck longer to stop. In addition, the vehicle will go uphill more slowly and go downhill more quickly. When going downhill, the brakes are forced to work harder to maintain the truck’s speed. This can trigger brake failure. When brakes fail, it is not hard to see that an accident is probable.

The tires of any truck are also stressed needlessly when the vehicle is overloaded. This can cause blow outs that send the truck out of control. Blowouts are also one of the main causes of accidents.

Contact a Truck Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler or any other large commercial truck, contact the truck accident attorneys of Williams Kherkher at 1-866-950-9000 to discuss your case and to determine your legal options.