San Antonio Injury Attorneys Serving Accidents Involving Overloaded Trucks and Unsecured Loads

Truck drivers are under constant pressure to transfer cargo fast. Trucking companies look to maximize profit by moving as much as they can as quickly as possible. This often compels truck drivers to travel with overloaded trucks and unsecured loads, placing other passenger vehicles in jeopardy.Individuals who have been injured or families who have lost loved ones in an 18-wheeler accident because of a truck driver’s negligence are entitled to be compensated for their loss. The attorneys at Davis Law Firm have extensive experience handling truck accident claims. We are familiar with trucking regulations and the tricks used by trucking accident companies and insurance adjusters to avoid paying your claim.

If you were in a trucking accident, it is important to hire a strong advocate right away who can conduct a prompt investigation and protect your interests. Davis Law Firm represents injured individuals and their families in San Antonio and throughout the Rio Grande Valley. To learn more about our firm, contact us online or call us at 210-444-4444 or toll free at 800-483-8151 .

Overloaded Truck Hazards in Texas

The excessive weight carried by overloaded trucks makes them harder to control, increasing the likelihood of the following types of accidents:

• Rear-ended accidents: Because heavier trucks need more time to stop, rear-end accidents are more likely.
• Jackknife accidents: Increases the likelihood that a rapidly braking truck will jackknife
• Dropped load accidents: Increases the likelihood
• Rollover accidents: Overloaded trucks have an elevated center of gravity, making them more likely to tip over.
• Steering and brake failure: Trucks carrying excessive loads place additional strain causing damage to steering and brake systems.
• Ruptured tires: The additional weight on 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks can cause tires to burst, increasing the likelihood that the driver will lose control.

In Texas, commercial trucks have a weight limit of 40 tons and must not be any higher than 14 feet or 8 1/2 feet wide. Despite these weight limits, trucking companies may purchase oversize/overweight (OS/OW) permits to allow them to travel on Texas roadways. Already several overweight vehicles corridors have sprung up around Texas especially on routes linking Texas to Mexican distribution centers.

Even with permits, truck drivers and trucking companies may still be held liable for accidents caused by oversized loads.

Dangers Posed by Unsecured Loads

Federal trucking regulations govern the safe operation of 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles engaged in interstate commerce. Part of these regulations involves proper load securement. Whether carrying materials on a flatbed or within a tractor-trailer, all loads must be adequately tied down to prevent cargo from shifting, moving or falling off.

Truck drivers are ultimately responsible for making sure their trucks comply with DOT load securement regulations. This includes making sure there are enough tie-downs and they are made of the proper materials.

Truck drivers who take shortcuts by failing to properly secure their load place the lives of everyone on the road in jeopardy. The most common dangers posed by unsecured loads are falls from vehicles when the cargo slips off and rollover accidents caused by a shifting of cargo weight when tractor-trailers are turning.

Get Help From Skilled Truck Accident Lawyers With the Resources to Get Results

At Davis Law Firm, our lawyers work with accident reconstructionists and truck accident investigators to determine who is responsible for an accident. Above all, we want to make sure we are doing our best for you and will fight to obtain the maximum possible compensation on your behalf. We handle truck accident cases throughout South Texas. To schedule an appointment, complete our online contact form or call us at 210-444-4444 or toll free at 800-483-8151 .