Tennessee Truck Accidents – Improper Load – Overweight Cargo
Semi Truck Accident Lawyers - Tennessee

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An improper cargo load is a common cause for fatal 18 wheeler accidents on Tennessee roads. Loads that are unbalanced, overweight, or shift in transit can cause a semi truck to loose control.

Loading the Truck

A truck driver is responsible for the load that he is transporting. Correct truck loading is very important for the safety of the driver and the other vehicles on the road. The result of a load shift or load loss can be a serious or even fatal semi truck accident.

To avoid potential semi truck accidents, a truck driver must have knowledge of the cargo, the cargo weight, optimum placement of the load, and confirmation the load is secure. The cargo must be inspected by the truck driver during the pre-trip inspection.

It is only when the load is sealed and the truck driver has been instructed not to open the seal, that he isn’t required to make that inspection.

Overweight Cargo

Federal, state, and local regulations govern the weight of commercial vehicles. They address the gross commercial vehicle weight, gross combination weight, the axle weight, and tire load.

The weight must be balanced properly so that one axle or a set of axles are not overloaded.

The problem with overloading a vehicle is that it can affect its steering and braking leading to potential fatal truck accidents. An overloaded vehicle takes longer to stop. They also go slower on upgrades and faster on downgrades. When the brakes of an overloaded truck are forced to work too hard, they can fail and result in a semi truck accident in Tennessee.

Truck accidents are often cause for litigation. It is wise to contact an experienced semi truck accident attorney if you have been injured by a semi truck, or a loved one has been injured or killed in an 18 wheeler accident. The attorneys at understand the unique legal and practical problems associated with 18 wheeler accidents and other truck crashes and have experience dealing with the issues that arise in such cases. We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingent fee basis, which means that there is no fee unless we successfully resolve your case.

For immediate assistance, call us toll-free at 1-877-871-4097.