How Overloaded Trucks Can Cause Collisions

When a large truck is overloaded or improperly loaded, it will be more difficult for the driver to control while on the road. This may increase the likelihood of a trucking accident, placing the truck driver and everyone else on the road at risk. Occupants of other vehicles and any pedestrians or bicycle riders in the vicinity will be at a particular risk of catastrophic injury due to the immense size and weight of the truck.

How does an overloaded truck cause an accident? Let's look at a few of the ways that a too-heavy load may affect a truck's maneuverability:

• An overloaded truck will take longer to stop. Traveling at 55 miles per hour, it may take a dangerously overloaded truck up to the distance of a football field to come to a complete stop.
• A heavy load will place more strain on the mechanics of the truck, such as the brakes, making them more likely to fail.
• An overloaded truck is more likely to tip over or jackknife on the road, even when a truck driver performs what would normally be a safe maneuver.
• Slowing down or turning a truck with a heavy load will be more difficult; the truck will be less responsive.

When you consider that large commercial trucks may weigh up to 80,000 pounds or more and are already difficult to maneuver, imbalanced or overloaded cargo may literally be an accident waiting to happen. The added momentum of a heavy load will also cause any resulting accident to be all the more serious, increasing the force of impact.

Were you or a loved one injured in a collision with a semi truck, big rig or tractor-trailer? Involve an attorney who can fully investigate the circumstances of the accident to determine its cause and how to recover maximum financial compensation on your behalf. At the Doan Law Firm, P.C. we represent victims of trucking accidents in Houston and throughout the surrounding areas in Texas.

For a free review, contact a Houston truck accident lawyer at our offices today.