Trucking laws regulate the amount of cargo weight tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles can carry and stipulate that loads be evenly distributed. Yet overloaded cargo is among the most common causes of truck and commercial vehicle accidents.

Overloading cargo is one way shipping companies and commercial vehicle drivers attempt to maximize deliveries and, in turn, their profits; unfortunately, this often comes at the expense of the safety of those in passenger vehicles. If you were hurt or a loved one was killed in a truck or commercial vehicle accident, Beaumont personal injury attorney Tony Malley may be able to help you and your family seek financial compensation for resulting medical expenses and other damages.

Trucking companies and drivers sometimes engage in dangerous practices in order to increase deliveries and revenue. These methods most often include setting unrealistic schedules and overloading vehicles with cargo.

Although there are state and federal laws that govern the weight and dispersal of cargo, these safeguards don’t catch every overloaded truck. And a truck that carries more weight than it should is a hazard to both its driver and the innocent occupants of passenger vehicles.

Overloaded cargo can limit a truck’s maneuverability, increase its stopping distance and physically tax numerous components of the vehicle itself. A truck transporting too much cargo can increase the risk of truck and commercial vehicle accidents caused by factors such as:

• Tire blowout
• Uncontrollable vehicle sway
• Brake failure
• Jackknifing
• Trailer tipping

Because semi-trucks and commercial vehicles have a significant size and weight advantage over passenger vehicles, accidents involving large trucks and delivery vehicles result in a higher rate of severe injuries to those in passenger vehicles.

If you were injured or a family member was killed in a truck or commercial vehicle accident, please contact the Malley Law Firm to schedule your free case consultation. Injury attorney Tony Malley welcomes clients from the Houston and Beaumont, Texas, areas and nationwide.