Types Of Accidents Caused By Truck Cargo And Ways A Lawyer Can Help Handle Them
Every part of a commercial vehicle needs to be in perfect shape to minimize the possibility of accidents on the road. Besides the truck and its components, the cargo can also become a risk to other motorists, and a significant percentage of accidents result from issues with the load. If you have been in an accident with a truck, you have the right to seek compensation, especially if you believe the other driver was at fault. Here are some types of accidents caused by the cargo and ways a truck accident lawyer can help you ask for payment.
Roll-Over and Jackknife Accidents
The people handling cargo loading should avoid making the top of the truck heavy. If the weight at the top of the vehicle is disproportionate to the rest of the body, the vehicle's center of gravity becomes compromised. When it has too much weight, the cargo will shift whenever the driver tries to negotiate a corner or change lanes. If the truck is speeding, the movement of the load could lead to the entire vehicle turning and rolling over. The cargo might also swing forward when it comes to a sudden stop. It will fold the truck like a jackknife and compromise the safety of the vehicles in front. You should enlist the help of a truck accident lawyer to help you sue the people in charge of the loading process if you suffer an accident from improper cargo loading.
Rear-End Collisions
Most people assume that the driver at the front is at fault when a rear-end collision occurs. However, the situation is sometimes different, especially when overloaded trucks are involved. An overloaded truck compromises the effectiveness of the axle and lengthens the time it takes for the vehicle to come to a stop during an emergency. Most accidents involving a small car in front and a heavy commercial at the back come from overloaded brakes slowing down the truck's stop time.
Loose Cargo on the Road
It is also the responsibility of the cargo handlers to ensure the load gets secured on the vehicle and remains intact during transit. If the cargo gets loose and falls on the road, it can cause damage to other motorists. Your truck accident attorney can also sue those in charge of the loading if your vehicle gets hit by loose cargo.
These are just a few types of accidents caused by cargo and handling. Speak to a truck accident lawyer about your situation so that you can gather the necessary evidence and make the responsible party compensate your damages.
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