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A big rig, overloaded cargo and determining liability for a crash

On Behalf of | Jun 4, 2022 | Blog, Motor Vehicle Accidents

If you spend a good deal of time driving on the interstate, you see eighteen-wheelers all the time, but do they sometimes make you feel a bit nervous?

Overloaded commercial trucks are among the leading causes of truck-car crashes. Injuries can be devastating, and determining liability is often a complex legal matter.

Risks of overloading

Overloaded cargo causes wear and tear on a truck’s tires, brakes and other components. But the main problem with overloaded cargo is that it can shift and cause a dangerous imbalance. As a result, the driver may have trouble controlling the big rig. As the driver rounds a curve, makes a lane change or a sudden turn, the shifting cargo could cause the truck to roll over.

Site investigations

The investigation into a collision between a car and a big rig must begin at once before the elements can cause important evidence to disappear. Advocates working on behalf of the victim will seek testimony from witnesses and closely review the victim’s medical records. They may also engage the services of accident reconstructionists who can locate evidence useful in determining liability for the crash.

Negligent parties

In many cases, multiple parties may share liability for the crash along with the driver. These might include the trucking company, the company that maintained the truck and the company that loaded the cargo. Most professional drivers are careful, but still, truck-car collisions can happen whether on the interstate, a busy highway or a rural road. If you become a victim, you should only have to focus on recovery while your advocate negotiates a settlement on your behalf. You have every right to expect compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages and more.