The Dangers of Improperly Loaded Trucks

Anytime a semi-truck is being prepared to hit the road, it must be properly loaded. If a semi-truck is improperly loaded, it can be very dangerous for the driver and other drivers and road users. Whether an accident happens due to an improperly loaded truck on a one-lane back road or a multi-lane highway, traumatic and devastating injuries or fatalities are likely to occur.

What are the regulations on tractor-trailer loads?

The following are the federal regulations regarding tractor-trailer loads:

• The maximum gross weight cannot exceed 80,000 pounds.
• The maximum gross weight allowed on any one axle is 20,000 pounds.
• The maximum gross weight allowed on tandem axles is 34,000 pounds.
• A semi-truck weighing over 80,000 pounds or having more than the allowed weight on axles cannot legally be operated on a highway.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also provides various load securement rules, which explain how loads should be fully secured with restraints and tie-downs when in transit. This is one of the most crucial steps to loading a tractor-trailer, as it can prevent cargo items from flying out of the trailer and striking other vehicles, pedestrians, or other road users.

The FMCSA mentions some objects that must be tied down and restrained on commercial trucks: lumbar logs, metal coils, paper rolls, concrete pipe, intermodal containers, machinery and equipment, boulders, and roll-on/roll-off hook-lift containers. The Ohio Department of Transportation requires trucks carrying an oversized load to receive a permit before traveling on any route in the state.

What are the dangers if a tractor-trailer is not loaded correctly?

When a tractor-trailer is not loaded correctly, it can experience many issues, increasing the risk of a serious truck accident. Tractor trailers are already very difficult to drive, control, and maneuver. Therefore, when a load is too heavy, imbalanced, or unsecured, it can severely affect the driver’s abilities. We will go over the dangers of an improperly loaded tractor-trailer more in depth below.

• Overloaded or overweight loads: The government puts a certain weight restriction on commercial trucks for a reason, which is usually because the manufacturer has stated what the truck can handle. Therefore, if a tractor-trailer is overloaded or overweight, it can begin to place too much weight and stress on the truck’s parts and components, causing it to become worn out and eventually fail. This can make it very difficult for the truck driver to accelerate, slow down, stop, steer, turn, and control the truck, resulting in a dangerous truck accident.
• Imbalanced loads: This usually happens when the cargo is loaded too much on one side, creating an uneven distribution of items. While this might seem like no big deal, it can cause severe issues during the truck driver’s route. For example, if the vehicle driving in front of the truck suddenly hits its brakes and stops, the truck driver may need to hurry and swerve. While swerving may help them miss the vehicle, the imbalanced load may cause them to lose their balance, tip over to one side, and roll over.
• Unsecured loads: The items may move and shift around during transit when a semi-truck load is unsecured. Although this can lead to an imbalanced load, creating a situation similar to the above, it can also be very dangerous for other drivers and road users close by. Items may fall out or become ejected, striking other vehicles or causing obstacles that are nearly impossible to miss in the middle of the roadway.

Are there penalties for an improperly loaded semi-truck in Columbus?

Yes, there are penalties for an improperly loaded semi-truck. These penalties include fines, citations, and jail time. The law in Ohio states that there will be a $80 fine for a load that is 2,000 pounds or less overweight, $100 for loads between 2,000 and 5,000 pounds overweight, $130 for loads between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds overweight, and $160 for 10,000 or more pounds overweight. The individual may also be required to spend 30 days in jail. If a load is improperly secured, this can also result in a misdemeanor, fines, and jail time.

Who can be held liable if an improper load causes an accident?

Various parties could be held liable if an improper load causes an accident, such as:

• The cargo loaders or cargo loading company: Most trucking companies hire cargo loaders or a cargo loading company to load their cargo. The cargo loaders are responsible for ensuring that the loaded items are placed on the tractor-trailer correctly. This means they must ensure that the load meets the weight limit, is evenly distributed, and is completely secured. They could be held liable if they fail to do this and an accident occurs.
• The truck driver: Truck drivers are required to inspect their loads before getting behind the wheel. They must also make frequent stops to inspect their loads and ensure nothing has shifted. They may be liable if they fail to do this and an accident occurs.
• The trucking company: Trucking companies often look for ways to cut corners. Therefore, if a trucking company did not ensure that the loaders had the proper training, allowed them to overload their trucks, or told the truck driver to ignore any warning signs of load issues, they could be found liable for an accident.

The Columbus truck accident attorneys at Soroka & Associates have extensive experience with truck accidents. If you need a legal team that knows the ins and outs of these types of accident claims, we are ready and available to assist you. We can answer your questions and concerns, inform you of your rights, help you choose the best course of action, and fight for your right to the compensation you deserve. Truck accidents are often severe, catastrophic, and life-altering, which is why we do not recommend putting this off. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free case review at our Columbus office today.