Semi-truck drivers are held to a high standard because the vehicles they drive can cause serious injuries to others if involved in a crash. A semi can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. If it strikes another car that weighs only 4,000 pounds, that car is going to suffer far greater damage and the people inside could be catastrophically injured.
But what if something happens that is outside of the driver’s control? He or she could follow all rules and regulations and still cause an accident. One example of how this happens is a load-shift accident.
It can happen in numerous ways
Generally, this type of accident just happens when the heavy load that the truck is carrying shifts or tips, and the weight imbalance pushes the truck out of control. For instance, if a centered load suddenly shifts to the side, the truck could suddenly overturn.
This happens in a few ways. One is if the team that loaded the truck did not adequately or properly secure the load. The driver may believe it’s fine, but missing or broken straps could come loose in transport, allowing for a sudden shift when going around a corner, down a steep grade, etc.
These accidents can also happen if the driver brakes too aggressively and the load slides forward and strikes the cab. For instance, if a driver is distracted and then suddenly realizes there is a traffic jam ahead, they may slam on the brakes to avoid a rear-end accident and wind up causing the load to break free. This may make the rear-end accident inevitable or cause the truck to hit cars next to it.
Have you been injured?
These accidents happen without warning and you can’t avoid them. If you get injured in a crash with a semi-truck, you may be able to seek substantial compensation for your losses.