Truck drivers in Minnesota have a huge responsibility. Not only are they transporting most of the essential goods that people use every day, but they are also operating the largest vehicles on the roadways. When trucks are involved in accidents with smaller vehicles, there are often fatalities.
Why proper loading is important
A properly loaded trailer helps a truck driver to keep everyone on the road safe. Since large trucks are already challenging to drive, anything that makes steering and braking more difficult can lead to motor vehicle collisions.
When trucks are improperly loaded, truck drivers will have trouble coming to a complete stop, navigating turns and controlling their speed down hills. Excess weight and uneven weight in the back of a truck can also put too much strain on truck components and lead to tip-overs.
Types of improper loading
Sometimes, the truck driver is responsible for securing their load and other times the loading is done by a transportation company. Either way, it is still the truck driver’s responsibility to double-check the trailer to make sure that everything is secure.
There are three main types of improper loading:
- Overweight load
- Unsecured load
- Unbalanced load
Since overweight loads can put extra strain on tires and make long stopping distances even longer, the trucking industry is subject to strict rules on weight. Even if a load is underweight, though, it could still cause problems if it is unsecured or unbalanced. An unbalanced load will throw off the truck’s center of gravity and could lead to a rollover crash. An unsecured load can shift around in the truck causing weight in the truck to become unbalanced.
Damages for truck accidents
If you were injured in a truck accident that was caused by improper loading, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the truck driver and the trucker’s employer. Your medical expenses, lost wages and mechanical repairs may all be compensable.