Understanding Virginia Truck Accidents Caused By Shifting Loads | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

On September 20, a commercial truck carrying sheets of glass tipped over in Campbell County, Virginia, while traveling on the 29 North Exit of 409 East. An investigation into the Virginia truck accident revealed that the rollover tractor-trailer crash was caused when a strap holding the glass onto the truck broke, causing the truck’s cargo to shift and the vehicle to lose balance.

Unfortunately, commercial semi truck accidents caused by shifting loads and improperly secured loads are all too common in Virginia and across the country. How do these accidents happen? Very simply, the cargo causes a truck to lose control, to tip over, or to veer off of the roadway. There are five common issues with improper loads:

•    A trailer has cargo that is top heavy. If a trailer isn’t balanced correctly top to bottom, the truck will be more likely to tip over, especially when the truck negotiates turns and on-ramps.
•    A trailer’s load is not properly secured. Even if the cargo is packed well, it may shift during travel if it is not properly tied down or otherwise secured. Shifting cargo can lead to rollover accidents.
•    A trailer’s cargo is too heavy for the truck. If the truck is carrying too much cargo, it could cause mechanical problems such as brake failure or blown tires. A heavy truck also takes longer to slow down and stop.
•    A trailer’s cargo is too wide for the road. If a trailer is carrying a wide load and not following proper regulations, serious accidents can happen.
•    A trailer’s cargo is too tall to pass under obstacles. If a truck is carrying particularly tall cargo, it could cause an accident when traveling under bridges and road signs.

When a serious Virginia truck accident is caused by a shifting load or an improperly secured load, the truck accident victims may be unaware of the issue in the days and weeks following the crash. It is vital to speak with an experienced VA personal injury attorney with a background in truck accidents – a lawyer who can analyze the evidence of the case and pinpoint whether or not an improper load could have contributed to the accident. If you have been involved in a truck accident, you may wish to speak with a truck accident lawyer about all aspects of your case. Call Shapiro & Appleton& Duffan today at (833) 997-1774 to request a free, private case evaluation.