Bridgeport, Connecticut Overloaded Truck Accident Attorneys

Lawyers for Truck Accidents Involving Overloaded or Unsecured Cargo in Bridgeport

Cargo loading might seem like a behind-the-scenes detail in the trucking industry that should not affect other drivers. However, improper loading practices can lead to devastating truck accidents. When trucking companies, shipping companies, or loading crews overload trucks beyond legal weight limits or fail to properly secure cargo, this can create conditions where drivers may lose control, equipment may fail, and cargo may fall into the road. The results can be catastrophic.

Federal and state regulations provide clear rules about how much weight commercial trucks can carry and how cargo must be secured. Despite these requirements, some companies cut corners to maximize profits. They may overload trailers in order to deliver more goods, or loading operations may be rushed without properly securing cargo. Failure to inspect loads can also lead to safety issues.

When commercial truck accidents happen because of these violations, other people can be seriously injured. At Tremont Sheldon P.C., our personal injury attorneys can investigate a truck accident to determine whether cargo loading issues may have been responsible, and we can work with an accident victim to obtain compensation from all available sources.

How Overloaded Trucks Can Lead to Accidents

Braking distances can increase dramatically when large trucks carry too much weight. A truck that is within legal limits already requires significantly more distance to stop than a passenger vehicle. Adding a few thousand pounds beyond the legal maximum will extend the stopping distance further. When an overloaded truck encounters stopped traffic, a vehicle entering the roadway, or another situation requiring emergency braking, the driver may be unable to stop in time, regardless of how quickly they react.

Tire blowouts can also become more likely when trucks are overloaded. Tires are rated for specific maximum loads. Exceeding those ratings can generate excessive stress on tires. The added weight can build up internal heat that breaks down the rubber. Eventually, a tire may fail catastrophically, causing the driver to lose control. When a tire blows out on a heavy truck traveling on a highway, the sudden imbalance and loss of traction can send the truck careening across lanes or off the road.

Brake failure is another consequence of excessive weight. Brakes generate enormous amounts of heat as they work to slow and stop heavy vehicles. Overloaded trucks put excessive demands on brake systems, causing them to overheat. Brake drums and rotors can warp under extreme temperatures. Brake pads and shoes will wear out much faster than normal. When brakes fail when a truck is traveling downhill or approaching an intersection, the results can be tragic.

Steering and handling can also suffer when trucks carry too much weight. Overloaded trucks are more difficult to maneuver, especially in emergency situations. The added weight can make it harder for a driver to avoid hazards or navigate curves safely.

Dangers of Unbalanced and Unsecured Cargo

Proper cargo securement is crucial to ensure that a truck driver can maintain stability and control. Unbalanced loads can be dangerous. When cargo is concentrated on one side of a trailer, toward the front, or toward the rear, a truck can become unstable. Front-heavy loads increase the risk of jackknifing when braking. Rear-heavy loads can cause a truck to fishtail or swing out during turns.

Rollover accidents may be caused by improperly balanced cargo. Commercial trucks have higher centers of gravity than passenger vehicles, and they are more prone to tipping over. When cargo is stacked too high or has been loaded unevenly, the center of gravity is even higher. Taking a curve or exit ramp at speeds that would be safe for a properly loaded truck can cause an unbalanced truck to roll onto its side, crushing other vehicles.

Shifting cargo can also cause a sudden loss of control. Even if cargo was initially loaded properly, it may shift during transport if it was not secured correctly. When cargo suddenly moves inside the trailer, it can throw the truck off balance without warning. A driver may overcorrect when they feel the truck becoming unstable, leading to a loss of control.

Falling Cargo Accidents

Cargo that falls from trucks may create an immediate danger for nearby vehicles. When large objects fall onto highways, other drivers may have little time to react. A metal coil weighing thousands of pounds, a pallet of construction materials, or industrial equipment can appear suddenly in a travel lane, and a driver may not be able to brake or swerve before colliding with these items. High-speed collisions with fallen cargo can result in severe injuries or wrongful death.

Chain-reaction collisions may occur due to cargo spills. Multiple vehicles can become involved as drivers react to the sudden hazard, creating pileup crashes with numerous injuries. People may also be injured when falling cargo lands on a vehicle. Large, heavy items can crush passenger vehicles and severely injure their occupants. Even smaller items can cause harm when striking a vehicle's windshield or hitting other parts of a car, since this may obstruct a driver's view or cause them to lose control.

Trucking companies and loading companies have clear responsibilities to prevent cargo from falling onto roadways. When they fail in these duties, and people are injured as a result, these companies may be held accountable.

Legal Help Following Cargo-Related Truck Accidents

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., our attorneys understand the details that matter in cargo-related truck accident cases. We can obtain weigh station records, shipping documents, bills of lading, and loading facility records to determine whether a truck was overloaded and how cargo was distributed. These documents may reveal violations of weight limits or unsafe loading practices that contributed to an accident.

Inspection reports and driver logs can also provide information about whether required cargo inspections were performed. If a driver failed to check the load as required, or if inspections revealed problems that were ignored, this evidence may be used to demonstrate that these parties are liable for an accident.

Our team works with engineering professionals who can analyze how cargo issues affected a truck's handling and stability. These specialists can explain to insurance companies and juries exactly how an overloaded truck or unbalanced cargo led to an accident, making the connection between negligence and harm clear and convincing.

Throughout the legal process, our lawyers will provide compassionate representation focused on achieving results for clients. We understand the difficulties of dealing with injuries that may require extensive treatment and financial pressures due to medical bills and lost income. We will fight aggressively to secure compensation that addresses an injury victim's current needs and future challenges.

Contact Our Bridgeport Overloaded Truck Accident Lawyers

Cargo-related truck accidents should not happen. Clear regulations exist to prevent overloading and ensure that cargo is loaded and secured correctly. However, violations may occur because companies put profits ahead of safety. When you are injured because a trucking company, loading company, or other party failed to follow the rules, you deserve compensation for the harm they have caused to you and your family.

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., our lawyers have the knowledge and determination needed to handle complex cargo-related truck accident cases. We will investigate cases thoroughly, identify all negligent parties, and build strong claims supported by solid evidence and professional analysis. Contact our Bridgeport, CT unsecured cargo truck accident attorneys at 203-335-5145 to set up a consultation and learn how we can help you achieve justice.