Overloaded Trucks Cause Horrific Injuries in Tennessee

By Thomas Greer | January 25, 2014

There are millions of commercial trucks on the road each day.  Many travel through Tennessee every day, which means that there are serious accidents involving tractor-trailers and Tennessee residents with all too much regularity.  Tractor-trailers are the means by which goods are shipped throughout the United States.  Due to the high cost of fuel and the great distances over which the trucks travel, it is economical for trucking companies to load as much product as possible into the truck.  Although there are financial benefits to this practice, if the trucking company overloads the truck, it may be unsafe for the road.

Commercial trucking companies often maximize the length, width, and height of the tractor-trailers in order to haul as much product as possible.  The braking systems and other mechanical equipment are calibrated to operate with the anticipated weight load.  When the load weight is over the limit or the load is not positioned properly, the truck may be unable to stop within the expected distance or the truck may not steer or handle properly.  This creates a very dangerous situation that leads to deadly accidents on roads throughout Tennessee.  There are many different factors that contribute to a serious accident involving an overloaded tractor-trailer, including:

  • The weight exceeds the load that the cab can safely haul, making the truck much more difficult to drive and maneuver;
  • The load was not positioned in the trailer properly or was not secured in the correct manner so that items being transported fall from the trailer into the roadway, leading to collisions with the cargo as well as car accidents when vehicles attempt to avoid the cargo; and
  • Cargo that was not secured in the trailer may shift during transportation, creating an imbalance that hinders the driver’s ability to handle the truck.  In addition, the shift in cargo load may completely alter the equilibrium of the trailer and cause a jackknife or rollover accident.

Before getting out on the road, the driver should perform certain actions in order to make sure that the truck is safe.  Failing to do any of the following could be negligent, making the truck driver and possibly the trucking company responsible for any harm that was caused:

  • Doing a thorough inspection of the cargo before departure, checking to be certain that the load is stable and secure;
  • Conducting a test run to determine how the truck handles when fully-loaded.  This precautionary action also can reveal weaknesses in the security of the load;
  • Perform a manual inspection of the mechanical equipment, including the braking system, electrical systems, and fluid lines.  Tires should also be inspected for tread wear and any weaknesses;
  • Review state and federal trucking rules to be sure that the load is in compliance with applicable laws.

When a car gets into an accident involving a tractor-trailer, the occupants of the passenger vehicle or light truck often experience severe injuries due to the size differential.  The injuries may require long-term or even permanent medical treatment and rehabilitation.  Victims may never be able to work again or they may need to change careers.  Family members may have to give up jobs in order to care for injured loved ones.  The consequences are devastating.

As the victim of a severe accident, you need the experienced and dedicated Memphis truck accident attorneys at Bailey & Greer, PLLC to fight for you while you focus on your recovery.  We understand the extent of your pain and suffering and will work to get you the compensation that you deserve.  To schedule a meeting, please call us at 901-680-9777.  At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, we are small enough to care, big enough to fight, and experienced enough to win.

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