If you’ve ever experienced an accident involving one or more trucks in Pennsylvania, then you know how dangerous they can be. They’re so large and heavy that when they collide with another motorist, the results are usually fatal for everyone involved. Notably, the causes of truck accidents aren’t just limited to reckless driving. In some cases, it’s the way that the truck gets loaded that is the issue.
How does improper loading lead to truck accidents?
When a truck isn’t loaded properly, it can lead to an accident. The reason for this is simple: the truck’s center of gravity changes, which in turn affects its stability and road handling abilities. If truckers aren’t aware that their trucks are not loaded properly, then they may get into motor vehicle accidents because they aren’t expecting the way that it handles on the roads to change.
For example, an improperly loaded truck may be more likely to tip over during a sharp turn or it could roll over when making a sudden stop at the bottom of a steep hill. As you can see, this is especially dangerous because motorcyclists, motorists, pedestrians and even animals may be in the vicinity.
What are the legal impacts of improper loading?
When a truck gets loaded improperly and causes a motor vehicle accident, the driver of the truck may find himself or herself in trouble. This means that they can get sued for the damages caused as a result of the accident. In some cases, the company that owns the truck may also be liable if it’s proven that it was negligent in the way that it handled loading.
For instance, if the truck damages a motorist’s car after it toppled over during a sharp turn, then the motorist can sue both the truck driver and his or her company for damages.
If you or a loved one has been recently injured in a truck accident caused by improper loading, it’s important to understand your rights and the steps you need to take to file a lawsuit against the driver of the truck, the company that owns it, or both parties.