If you lost a loved one or if you have been hurt during an accident with a semi truck in North Carolina, you know just how serious a trucking accident is. While you wrestle with understanding the crash, there is one hidden accident factor that you may not have considered: overloaded trailers.
Hidden away in the trailer of the semi-truck can be a load that is just too large for the vehicle. Although trucks are required to stay within legal weight limits, some companies encourage their truck drivers to take on loads that exceed the maximum weight limit. They do so to save money—but the extra weight has the potential to cause a serious truck accident in North Carolina.
Why Extra Weight is Such a Big Deal
Safety studies performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that semi trucks carrying an average-sized load take 20 to 40 percent longer to stop than passenger vehicles. When the truck is carrying a heavier than normal load, the stopping distance increases.
What this means for you is that when you share the road with an overloaded semi-truck, you are driving next to a ticking time bomb. If traffic suddenly slows and the truck behind you is overloaded, it may not have the braking ability to stop before slamming into your car.
Increased braking distance is not the only danger. The excessive weight can also cause the following safety issues:
- Stress placed on the tires can lead to blow-outs.
- Continuous stress from the large load can cause brakes to fail.
- Failing brakes and additional momentum from the load can affect the driver’s ability to steer.
- Shifting loads are possible, which can unbalance the truck and force it to shift lanes—or even topple on one side—without warning.
As you can see, the problems associated with overloaded trucks can cause serious harm. If you believe that an overloaded semi-truck caused your North Carolina truck accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced Currituck County truck accident lawyer at Tavss Fletcher.
We have the experience, passion and resources to represent your best interests and help you get the compensation you deserve. Do not hesitate: call 757-625-1214 today for a free case evaluation.