Commercial trucks are enormous. When fully loaded, a semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. It is imperative that a truck’s cargo is loaded properly. An overloaded truck or improperly loaded truck presents a serious safety risk. Here, our Kansas City truck accident lawyer highlights the danger of a poorly loaded tractor trailer and explains your rights if you were involved in this type of crash.
An Improperly Loaded Trailer Increases the Risk of a Truck Accident
An improperly loaded tractor trailer poses a significant danger on the road. The risk of a truck accident is amplified for several reasons:
- Imbalance: A poorly loaded trailer can create an uneven weight distribution, making it difficult for the truck driver to maintain control of the vehicle.
- Shifting Cargo: Unsecured or improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable, and leading to a potential accident.
- Increased Stopping Distance: An improperly loaded trailer may require a greater stopping distance, making it challenging for the truck driver to stop in time, leading to potential collisions.
- Rollover Accidents: A top-heavy or unevenly loaded trailer is more susceptible to rollover accidents, especially during sudden turns or maneuvers.
Federal Truck Safety Regulations: Cargo Securement
To mitigate the dangers associated with poorly loaded tractor trailer, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces safety regulations, including cargo securement rules. These regulations aim to ensure that truck drivers and trucking companies adhere to appropriate practices for loading and securing cargo.
Know About Commercial Truck Accidents and Fault
In the United States, each state has its laws regarding fault and insurance in the event of a vehicular accident. Missouri follows an at-fault system. The party at fault for a truck accident in Missouri is responsible for the damages.
In contrast, Kansas is a no-fault state, where each driver’s insurance covers their own injuries and damages, regardless of who is responsible for the accident. However, injured truck accident victims in Kansas can bring a fault-based claim if they sustained a serious injury in a crash caused by a poorly loaded trailer.
Truck Accident Victims Deserve Full and Fair Financial Compensation
Following a commercial truck accident that happened because of an overloaded trailer or an otherwise improperly loaded trailer, it is imperative that you are able to secure the full and fair financial compensation that you deserve. Our Kansas City truck accident lawyer fights tirelessly to help victims and families maximize their recovery, including for:
- Automobile repairs or replacement;
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills and other health care costs;
- Lost wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental anguish;
- Long-term disability or permanent scarring; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Contact Our Kansas City Trucking Accident Attorney Today
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City truck accident lawyer is an aggressive, justice-driven advocate for victims. If you were hurt in a crash caused by an improperly loaded trailer, we are more than ready to help.
Contact our law firm right away for a free, no obligation review of your case. From our Kansas City law office, we represent truck accident victims in Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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