With major roadways such as Interstate 87, U.S. Route 9, and New York State Route 32B running directly through the region, Glens Falls sees a significant amount of commercial trucking traffic. A fully loaded eighteen-wheeler is enormous. It must be operated safely. A commercial truck with a poorly loaded trailer is dangerous. Here, our Glens Falls truck accident lawyer discusses the risks of poorly loaded trailers and explains your rights if you were involved in a wreck.
A Trailer that is Not Well-Loaded or Fully Secured Increases the Risk of a Truck Accident
To operate safely, a commercial truck must be properly loaded. It is the responsibility of the trucking company, the company leasing the truck, and other parties involved in operations to ensure that a trailer is loaded the right way and that cargo is reasonably secure. Some notable reasons why a poorly loaded commercial truck is a safety hazard include:
- Overloaded and poorly loaded tractor trailers often require additional braking distance;
- Improperly loaded and/or unbalanced trucks often swerve between lanes.
- Unsecured cargo can fall off of the truck and create a major roadway hazard.
- Improperly loaded eighteen-wheelers are at an increased risk of rollover accidents.
The Bottom Line: Improperly loaded trucks and overloaded trucks are too dangerous to be on the road in Glens Falls. You and your family should not be put at risk.
Truck Companies Have a Duty to Comply With Cargo Securement Rules
All commercial trucks involved in interstate commerce are legally obligated to comply with certain federal safety standards. A key standard is the cargo securement rules—which require trucking companies to ensure that their vehicles are safely loaded. The Cargo Securement regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) took effect in January of 2004. In addition, truckers and commercial trucking companies operating in New York State have a more general responsibility to operate in a safe manner at all times.
What to Know About Truck Accidents and No-Fault Insurance
New York is a no-fault auto insurance state. All motorists are required to buy and maintain no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. The standard applies to commercial truck accidents. Minor and moderate truck accident injury cases are generally no-fault cases. However, you can go outside New York’s no-fault insurance system and bring a lawsuit if you sustained a serious injury in a large truck accident. Navigating the claims process in New York can be complicated. An experienced Glens Falls truck accident lawyer can help you seek the maximum financial support.
Set Up a Free Case Review With a Top Glens Falls Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer
At Larson & Gallivan Law, our Glens Falls truck accident lawyers work hard to protect victims and families. If you or someone you know was hurt in a commercial truck crash caused by a poorly loaded trailer, we will help. Call us at 518-862-8799 or contact us online to set up your free initial appointment with an attorney. We handle eighteen wheeler accident claims throughout Warren County, including in Glens Falls, Queensbury, Lake George, and Warrensburg.
