An overloaded truck traveling on the highway is not only a danger to the truck driver — it is also a risk to others traveling on Texas roadways.
How Does Overloaded Cargo Pose a Risk?
An overloaded truck is one of the leading contributors to serious trucking accidents. Preventing serious collisions starts before the truck even hits the road. The size of these massive commercial vehicles is a danger for those traveling in passenger cars, and truck accidents are known to result in severe injuries and fatalities. The hazard of unsecured or overloaded cargo cannot be understated, and trucking companies and their drivers have a responsibility to ensure that everyone on the road is safe.
18-wheelers require a significant distance to come to a full stop. Truckers can usually determine the distance needed to brake based on the size and weight of the vehicle, and proper experience provides truck drivers with the expertise to stop their vehicles in time.
However, when the truck is loaded with more cargo than it should be, it will increase braking distance significantly. It is far too easy for a trucker to misjudge the distance, and this can result in truckers stopping in an intersection or failing to stop for obstacles on the road.
Rollovers & Unbalanced Commercial Vehicles
The weight placed on the tires should also be taken into consideration. The greater the weight on the tires, the more heat that is generated. This heat can raise the center of gravity, wear down the tires, and lead to a rollover. To make matters worse, an overloaded truck is unbalanced. The trucker may know how to maneuver a balanced truck, but when the truck is out of balance, he or she may lose control more easily. There are state and federal regulations that monitor trucks and those who overload are in violation of these regulations and should be held responsible for any resulting 18-wheeler accidents.
If you have been injured in a Texas trucking accident, contact a qualified personal injury attorney at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD today to discuss your case.
Trucking Accident Lawyers in Houston
Injured parties should consult with a qualified Houston personal injury lawyer to pursue the compensation they deserve after being injured in a Houston semi-truck accident. At West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD, we have experienced lawyers who can fight diligently on your behalf. Nhan Nguyen, Nader A. Rabie, and the rest of our qualified legal team can provide you with the top-quality legal representation necessary for a successful case. Give us a call at 713-840-7200 to see what we can do for you.
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