Truck accidents can put Texas residents at risk for serious injuries. Improper cargo loading is one of the leading causes.
Types of improper cargo loading
Federal laws determine how cargo should be loaded on a commercial truck. Cargo must be secured a certain way with specific tie-downs and must be a certain weight limit to prevent potential truck accidents. Unfortunately, errors and deliberate actions can result in improper cargo loading, which can pose significant risks to everyone sharing the road with the truck. Certain types of improper cargo are also common. They include the following:
- Cargo exceeding the legal weight limit
- Cargo that isn’t properly secured with the right tie-downs
- Using worn or used tie-downs to secure cargo
- Not properly pressurizing liquid cargo
- Not properly pressurizing gaseous cargo
- Improperly distributing the weight of the cargo from front to back or side to side
What types of accidents can occur due to improper cargo loading?
Truck accidents can easily occur when cargo is improperly loaded. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that can be fatal. One of the most common accidents is a cargo spill. This occurs when the improperly loaded cargo comes loose from the truck and falls apart. Pieces often get littered over the ground and other vehicles behind the truck, causing injuries.
Rollover accidents happen when too much weight is situated one on part of the truck. For instance, too much weight on the left side can result in the truck rolling over onto that side.
Rear-end truck accidents can occur when the driver is unable to control the truck or stop in time. This type of accident often leads to fatalities.
A tire blowout can occur when cargo is too heavy. Too much weight on the tires wears them down faster and can lead to a tire explosion.
Jackknife accidents are also common when cargo is improperly loaded on a truck. The driver can lose control of their steering and veer into another lane and strike another vehicle from the side.