When fully loaded, a commercial truck in California can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Truck companies have a legal responsibility to look out for the health and safety of everyone else on the road. When a commercial truck’s trailer is not properly loaded, it increases the risk of a serious accident. Truck companies can be held liable for crashes caused by poorly loaded trailers. In this blog post, our Stockton truck accident attorneys discuss the risk posed by improperly loaded trailers and explain your rights if you were involved in this type of collision in California.
An Improperly Loaded Trailer is a Serious Safety Hazards
Commercial trucks with improperly loaded trailers are significantly more likely to be involved in a serious accident. Trucking companies must ensure that they are following weight limits, other cargo safety regulations, and best loading practices. Some notable reasons why improperly loaded trailers can contribute to accidents include:
- Inability to Stop: It is more difficult for an improperly loaded trailer to make a safe stop. A poorly loaded trailer could contribute to a rear-end collision.
- Drifting Between Lanes: Large commercial trucks with poorly loaded trailers may struggle to stay in one lane. This could result in a serious accident on an interstate highway or divided road.
- Rollover Risk: Trucks that are not properly loaded are at a significantly higher risk of rolling over. Rollover truck accidents are often catastrophic (even deadly) collisions.
Federal Regulations: Cargo Securement Rules
Commercial trucks that are engaged in interstate commerce are required to comply with federal highway safety regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has comprehensive cargo securement rules in place. It is the duty of the truck driver, trucking company, and any other firm engaged in loading the truck to make sure that cargo is properly secured before the vehicle departs. Additionally, California law holds that truck drivers, trucking companies, and other companies are liable for any accident caused by their negligence. You can hold a truck company legally responsible for a crash caused, at least in part, by a poorly loaded trailer.
Recovering Compensation for Your Truck Accident Injuries
If you were hurt in a crash caused by an unsafely loaded truck, you have the right to seek financial compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Our Stockton, CA truck accident lawyers help injured victims get justice and the full and fair financial support that they deserve. Financial relief may be available for vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability or disfigurement, and other damages.
Contact Our Stockton, CA Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton truck accident attorneys work tirelessly to help injured victims secure big-time results. If you or your family member was injured in a trucking crash caused by an improperly loaded trailer or poorly secured cargo, we are more than ready to help. Contact us today for your free consultation. With a law office in Stockton, we represent truck accident victims in San Joaquin County and throughout the San Joaquin Valley.