Part II of a Discussion on the Dangers of Overloaded and Improperly Loaded Trucks

This is the continuation of our blog post discussing the special dangers posed by big-rigs that are transporting excessive loads or inadequately secured loads. Improper loads and weight violations contribute to many crashes involving tractor-trailers because they compromise the handling of the vehicle. Further, the weight of a semi-truck can have a dramatic impact on the severity of a big-rig crash. If you have more specific questions about tractor-trailer crashes in Georgia after reading this blog, we invite you to contact Montlick & Associates to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers.

If you have not yet read the part one of this post, it provides examples of hazards created by trucks that are negligently loaded in addition to those listed below:

• Unbalanced or Improperly Secured Load: Closely connected hazards involves loads that are unbalanced or not adequately secured. An unbalanced load increases the risk that a tractor-trailer will rollover or jackknife. A jackknife collision occurs when the trailer of the vehicle swings around toward the cab of the commercial truck so that the vehicle resembles a partially open pocket knife. When a load is not properly secured, it may shift during transport causing the big-rig to be unbalanced. When the tractor-trailer traverses a curve, makes a high-speed turn, or even changes lanes quickly, this can lead to the uneven weight distribution causing a rollover accident. Many times, there are chain reaction crashes after a rollover, resulting in terrible injuries and fatalities.
• Loose Debris: Tractor-trailers that are loaded with debris that is not properly tied down may present a danger to other vehicles when objects fall off of the truck into the roadway or fly off the truck and strike other vehicles. This is a serious problem with cargoes such as construction debris, rocks, gravel, and partially processed timber products.
• Less Maneuverability: Tractor-trailers have large blinds spots and can be extremely long so swerving or switching lanes must be undertaken with special care. Overloaded tractor-trailers are more prone to collisions when attempting to suddenly execute these maneuvers.
• Increased Risk of Rollover or Jackknife Accidents: The risk of an overloaded tractor-trailer tipping or jackknifing when stopping or executing other emergency evasive driving techniques increases because of the top heavy nature of the vehicle and forces of inertia.
• Damage to the Roadway: While damage to highways and freeways in Georgia only create an indirect accident risk, commercial trucks are almost exclusively responsible for damage to the surface of our roadway surfaces. One study conducted by the Highway Research Board found that a single commercial truck loaded to 80,000 lbs. does as much damage to the roadway pavement as 9,600 passenger cars.

Overloaded trucks or tractor-trailers with improperly secured loads cause thousands of accidents every year. It is in the economic interest of the trucking company to send the semi-trucks out with as much product as possible, which means that companies who do this are placing their financial gains ahead of the health and safety of the drivers and passengers who share the road with these vehicles. Our skilled Atlanta Big-Rig Crash Lawyers at Montlick & Associates understand the legal issues that need to be addressed, as well as the extent of the medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering that result from a catastrophic truck accident. Whether you have suffered from traumatic brain injury, broken bones, paralysis, severe burns, or have lost a loved one, we will fight hard to get the compensation that you deserve.

Put Our Law Firm's 30 Years of Legal Experience to Work for Your Case

If you have suffered serious injuries in a Georgia crash involving a semi-truck, you may have a right to monetary recovery. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers at Montlick & Associates have been representing those who suffer serious injuries or wrongful death for over thirty years throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including, but not limited to all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located, our attorneys are just a phone call away and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.