An overloaded truck can be a dangerous thing to drive. It can cause several different types of injuries if you are not careful. Among the most common are twisted knees and ankles, cuts, lacerations, head and neck trauma, and back strains. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you drive an overloaded truck.
Tire blowouts
Tire blowouts can occur at any time of year, and are often times the cause of multi car accidents at high speeds. They can also lead to serious injuries and property damage. In fact, tire blowouts are responsible for 400 driver deaths each year in the U.S.
One of the most terrifying aspects of a tire blowout is the way it can cause a chain reaction among nearby vehicles. Drivers may panic, lose control, and hit another vehicle.
One of the most common causes of a tire blowout is a defect in the tire. The tire may have deformed treads or a design flaw.
Another common cause of blowouts is overloaded trucks. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. This overload places an unnecessary strain on the tires, increasing the chance of a blowout.
Proper maintenance is a great way to prevent tire blowouts. Trucking companies are required to perform regular inspections and maintenance. Additionally, they are required to meet safety standards. If a company fails to meet these requirements, it could be held liable for any damages incurred.
Rollovers
Truck rollovers are a devastating type of traffic accident. They account for about four percent of fatal crashes involving commercial trucks. Most of them occur on highways. Several other factors contribute to these crashes, but the primary causes are driver error and lack of attention.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted a study on large truck rollovers. Using data from 239 accidents, researchers were able to identify the contributing factors. Among these are the types of vehicles involved, the location of the crash, the nature of the crash, and the effects on the vehicles.
One of the leading contributors to truck rollovers is overloaded trucks. These vehicles run hot, increase braking distance, and are more susceptible to overturning. Excessive cargo also increases the center of gravity of the truck.
Another major contributor to rollovers is failure to accurately account for the load’s weight. This is especially true for partially loaded cargo tanks.
Psychological trauma
Truck accidents can have a devastating effect on the human mind. They can cause a host of psychological issues, including PTSD.
The human mind is a complex network of neurons and chemicals. Although the human brain is an amazing invention, it does have limitations. An accident can leave victims feeling stressed, depressed, and even incoherent. This can be a major problem, especially when the effects are not treated right away.
Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the impact of an accident. One of these is to find a therapist with a trauma-informed approach. Trauma-informed therapists are trained to help clients process their experience safely.
A traumatic memory from an accident can trigger feelings of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. These symptoms may be short-lived or they can last for years. Some victims develop phobias and other afflictions that make it difficult to engage in everyday activities.
There are many ways to improve your psyche, and these include a combination of self-help and professional counseling. Psychological intervention studies have shown that supportive psychotherapy is an effective method for decreasing PTSD.
Liability
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by an overweight truck, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover damages. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Who is at fault if an overloaded truck causes injuries in Taylorsville, UT?
To prove liability, you will need to show that the person or company you’re filing a claim against has acted negligently. You can do this by showing that the defendant’s negligence contributed to the accident.
An overloaded truck is a dangerous vehicle because it puts unnecessary pressure on its tires. This can make it difficult to stop. It also creates hazards for other drivers. When an overloaded truck crashes, the driver and passengers are at risk of severe injuries.
Trucking companies can also be held liable for accidents caused by their employees. Specifically, if they hire inexperienced truckers or neglect to train them, the company may be held accountable for the incident.
