Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo Accidents

Here at Harris Lowry Manton LLP, we’ve seen firsthand just how dangerous commercial truck accidents can be. Big rigs and tractor-trailers play a big role in keeping Georgia’s economy moving, especially here in Atlanta – one of the busiest transportation hubs in the South. But when these trucks aren’t loaded properly, or worse, overloaded, they can quickly turn into serious threats on the road.

One of the biggest hidden dangers on the highway is overloaded or improperly loaded cargo. This might not sound as dramatic as reckless driving or drunk driving, but this issue causes thousands of crashes every year, many of them deadly. Sadly, most of these types of accidents are preventable.

Why does cargo loading matter?

Every 18-wheeler, box truck, or flatbed you see on I-75, I-285, or the Downtown Connector is carrying something, whether it’s groceries, construction equipment, electronics, or industrial materials. Trucking companies must follow strict rules about how much weight a truck can carry and how that cargo is secured. But what happens when they don’t? This is when problems occur.

When cargo is improperly loaded, it can shift while the truck is in motion. A load that’s too heavy on one side can cause the truck to lean, making it difficult for the driver to steer or stop safely. If the cargo isn’t tied down properly, it can fall off the truck altogether. And if the truck is overloaded, the extra weight puts pressure on the brakes, tires, and suspension. This makes the truck harder to control and more likely to be involved in an accident.

Remember, we’re talking about huge vehicles – a fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Just imagine what can happen when that weight isn’t balanced or exceeds the legal limit.

What are some common mistakes in cargo loading?

There are a few different ways that cargo can be loaded incorrectly. Here are some of the most common errors we see in truck accident cases:

• When the cargo isn’t evenly spread across the trailer (uneven weight distribution), it can throw off the truck’s balance. This can make the truck more likely to roll over on curves or sharp turns, especially if the driver is going too fast.
• All trucks have a maximum legal weight limit based on their size and number of axles. Exceeding this limit is both dangerous and illegal. Overloaded trucks need more space to stop and are more likely to experience things like brake failure and tire blowouts.
• Federal guidelines require that all cargo be tied down using straps, chains, tarps, or other securement systems. If cargo isn’t fastened down properly, it can slide around inside the trailer or fall out onto the road, putting nearby drivers in harm’s way.
• Truck drivers must check their cargo at multiple points during their trip, including before they start and after driving for a certain number of hours or miles. If these inspections are skipped, problems can go unnoticed until it’s too late.

What causes overloaded or improperly loaded cargo accidents?

So how do these accidents happen? Aren’t truck drivers and shipping companies trained to avoid these types of errors? They are, but unfortunately, not everyone follows the rules. Common reasons for overloaded or improperly loaded cargo include:

• Rushed loading schedules to meet tight deadlines.
• Inexperienced or poorly trained staff.
• Negligence or carelessness from drivers or loaders.
• Deliberate overloading to increase profit by moving more cargo at one time.
• Failure to inspect the cargo before or during the trip.

The bottom line is that these accidents almost always come down to human error. When that happens, innocent people like you get hurt.

Who’s responsible for an accident involving overloaded or improperly loaded cargo?

Multiple parties can be responsible for a truck accident caused by overloaded or improperly loaded cargo. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, here’s who might be held legally liable:

• Truck drivers are responsible for inspecting their cargo before hitting the road and during their trip. If they skip these checks or ignore a problem, they could be found at fault.
• Trucking companies must train their drivers and make sure trucks are loaded properly. If a company encourages unsafe loading practices or allows drivers to skip inspections, it could be held accountable for your accident.
• Sometimes cargo is loaded by a third-party company or warehouse team. If their negligence caused the loading issue, they may also be liable.
• If a mechanical failure (like a brake issue) caused by overloading led to the crash, a maintenance contractor might share responsibility for the accident.

Our legal team investigates your crash thoroughly to determine which parties played a role — and then we hold them accountable.

What should I do if I’m in an overloaded or improperly loaded cargo truck accident?

If you or a loved one is involved in a truck accident, especially one you think might have been caused by overloaded or improperly loaded cargo, it’s important to act quickly. Here are some steps you can take to protect your health and your legal rights.

• Get medical attention even if you feel okay at the scene because concussions or internal damage might not show up right away. Always let the emergency responders check you out.
• Call the police to ensure there’s an official report. This documentation will be critical to your case.
• If it’s safe to do so, take pictures of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible cargo. This can help build your case.
• Gather witness information – get the names and contact info of anyone who saw the crash happen.

Then, get in touch with an experienced truck accident lawyer. Cases involving cargo loading are complex, and you need someone who understands federal trucking regulations, knows how to investigate these claims, and will fight for the compensation you deserve.

How can Harris Lowry Manton LLP help with my overloaded or improperly loaded cargo accident case?

At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, we’ve spent decades helping truck accident victims across Atlanta and throughout the State of Georgia. We know what it takes to build a strong case – and we never back down from big trucking companies or their insurance teams. When we take your case, we:

• Thoroughly investigate the cause of your accident
• Work with experts to reconstruct the crash
• Review loading logs, weigh station records, and driver inspection reports
• Identify all liable parties
• Fight for maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more

We’re not just your lawyers – we’re your advocates. We understand that truck accidents can be overwhelming, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a truck accident and suspect overloaded or improperly loaded cargo played a role? Reach out to our Atlanta truck accident attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton LLP today. We offer free consultations and don’t charge any fees unless we win your case. You shouldn’t have to suffer because someone else didn’t take their job seriously. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Please call or use our contact form to schedule a consultation at our offices in Atlanta or Savannah.