Helping Dropped Cargo Accident Victims in Illinois
Every year, countless trucks crisscross our highways, transporting goods and merchandise to their destinations. Many of these trucks are dangerously overloaded and improperly secured, creating a situation primed for truck accidents. When a truck carries more weight than it is designed to handle, the risk of accidents increases greatly. Moreover, if the cargo is inadequately secured, it can easily spill onto the roadway. The consequences of dropped or spilled cargo on the road can be severe, including significant property damage, physical injuries, and even loss of life.
At Vito & Dollenmaier Law, we have seen countless situations in which a truck driver with an improperly loaded truck dropped cargo onto a roadway and caused a devastating accident. We believe that these accidents are mostly preventable and, as such, we find them to be entirely unacceptable. As a result, we are prepared to vigorously assist our clients in pursuing personal injury claims related to truck accidents caused by overloaded trucks. If a truck driver operating an overloaded truck caused an accident in which you were injured, contact one of our experienced Illinois personal injury attorneys to learn more about your options during this difficult time.
Overloaded Trucks Create Unsafe Driving Situations
When trucks are overloaded, they exceed the maximum weight limit established by transportation authorities. This weight puts excessive strain on a truck’s braking system, tires, and suspension, compromising the truck’s ability to function properly. As a result, the truck’s stopping distance increases, making it more challenging for the driver to react and avoid a collision when sudden changes occur in dangerous traffic situations. In addition, overloaded trucks are more likely to experience tire blowouts or other mechanical failures due to the extra stress placed on the vehicle’s components.
The force exerted by a moving truck is astronomical, even when the truck is filled correctly. When a truck is overloaded, other vehicles on the road are clearly put in danger, and pedestrians, cyclists, and other innocent bystanders are placed at greater risk of injury as well. Such situations can quickly turn tragic as a truck becomes a wrecking ball on wheels. Overloaded trucks tend to require longer gaps in traffic to merge or change lanes safely. This can seriously disrupt the flow of traffic, leading to more congested roads, increasing the chances of rear-end collisions and aggressive driving behavior among other drivers.
Another risk associated with overloaded trucks is their reduced stability. Excessive weight affects a truck’s center of gravity, causing it to become imbalanced and more prone to tipping or jackknifing. This instability is especially concerning when the truck is maneuvering through curves or encountering adverse weather conditions. In these situations, truck drivers may struggle to maintain control, resulting in accidents that can involve multiple vehicles.
How Can a Truck Accident Attorney Help Me?
An attorney who is proficient in personal injury law can be a lifeline to those injured in truck accidents caused by overloaded trucks. A legal professional who possesses the necessary knowledge and experience can help clients navigate catastrophic truck accidents and the resulting aftermath. At Vito & Dollenmaier Law, our truck accident attorneys diligently investigate accidents, uncover evidence linking the overloaded truck to our client’s injuries, and build a strong case against the responsible party. We understand the intricate regulations surrounding truck weight limits and loading standards, and we deal with the process of presenting evidence to insurance companies, judges, and juries, allowing our clients to focus on healing and moving forward after an accident.
Contact a Schaumburg Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving a truck, you need legal counsel willing to fight for your rights as you work to recover compensation for your injuries. At Vito & Dollenmaier Law, our experienced truck accident lawyers are ready to assist you in pursuing any compensation to which you may be entitled. Our client-focused approach allows us to treat our clients with compassion while working assertively to tackle negligent trucking companies, irresponsible drivers, and predatory insurance companies. To learn more, contact our Schaumburg truck accident attorneys at 224-539-8821 for a free consultation today.