Truck Accidents

Lancaster Overloaded / Improper Loading Truck Accident Lawyers

40 years of experience representing truck accident victims in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

The primary purpose of tractor-trailers, rigs, semis, delivery trucks, and other commercial trucks is to deliver cargo. Cargo includes household goods, retail products, machines, equipment, and other products. At KBG Injury Law, we hold truck drivers and trucking companies accountable when they prioritize delivering the cargo ahead of your safety.

Cargo shifts can cause a truck driver to lose control. Cargo spills can create a nightmare for everyone near the spilled cargo. Our Lancaster truck crash lawyers work with trucking professionals, the police, and our investigators to show cargo was overloaded or cargo was not properly secured. Call us today to assert your right to compensation after any type of cargo accident.

 

Truck Accident Settlement

$1.625 Million

Settlement for a tractor trailer crash involving a trailer that was loaded improperly allowing load to shift.

[Settlements & Verdicts]

Practice Areas

Lancaster Truck Accidents

How can we help you today?

What are the rules for loading trucks?

There are different weight limits and loading rules for commercial trucks:

  • The US Code of Federal Regulations regulates the maximum gross vehicle weight of trucks depending on the number of axles.
  • The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulates the proper way to load commercial trucks based on the types of products being loaded (for example - gases, liquids, solids, and hazardous materials).
  • There are specific OSHA rules for securing the load, having portable fire extinguishers, addressing electrical concerns, guarding floor and wall openings, handling poultry, and addressing other safety issues.
  • Other agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have their own safety regulations.
  • The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has its own loading requirements such as weight and dimension requirements.

There are also truck industry standards for different types of trucks and different types of cargo.

Why are overloaded and improperly loaded trucks dangerous?

At KBG Injury Law, we hold truck drivers and trucking companies responsible when their negligence causes the following types of truck cargo accidents – due to overloads or improper loading:

  • Loss of control. Cargo that moves can cause a truck driver to lose control. The shifting cargo also distracts the driver’s concentration and focus on the road in front of them.
  • Cargo spills. If cargo is not secured properly or is overloaded, many different events such as hitting a pothole, taking a curve too quickly, or braking suddenly – can cause the cargo to spill over the top or the sides of the truck. When cargo spills, the driver is likely to lose control. Any cars near the truck face multiple dangers – the cargo may strike their car, the driver may swerve into other lanes of traffic or other cars to avoid the spill, and other vehicles may strike their car to avoid the spill.
  • Truck jackknifes and rollovers. Excess or moving cargo can cause a driver to slam on their brakes, causing the vehicle to skid, which is a leading cause of truck jackknives. Excess or shifting cargo can cause a truck to roll over if the driver is speeding or driving through a turn too quickly.
  • Tire blowouts. Truck tires are designed to carry specific weights of cargo. Truck overloads place a dangerous amount of weight on each tire – increasing the risk of a tire blowout.

Who is responsible when truck accidents are due to overloading or improper loading?

At KBG Injury Law, we file truck accident claims against everyone responsible for a Lancaster truck accident including the following individuals and companies:

  • The truck driver. Drivers have a duty to check how much their truck weighs (with the cargo) and that the cargo is secure. They also need to understand how to respond when cargo shifts and how to drive safely so that cargo does not spill.
  • The truck driver’s employer. Trucking companies are vicariously (directly) liable for the negligence of their employees. Employers may also be liable for failing to conduct background checks on their employees and contractors; and for failing to educate their drivers about the risks of overloading.
  • The truck loading companies. Often, private loading companies load and unload cargo. The loading company may be the company whose products are being shipped or an independent company. Our Lancaster truck overload/improper loading accident lawyers review which company loaded the cargo and how they loaded the cargo.
  • The companies that design and sell the devices to store and secure the cargo may be liable if their products are defective.

Other defendants may include any other trucking companies involved in the shipment.

What are weigh stations?

Generally, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation provides weigh stations in and near Lancaster. These stations ensure that trucks are not overloaded (have too much weight to comply with federal and state weight limits). Many states now use electronic weigh station bypass systems (software) instead of road weigh stations. This allows drivers to drive without stopping.

How do your lawyers fight for truck accident victims in Lancaster?

Our Lancaster truck accident lawyers have 40 years of experience fighting for truck accident victims. We have the skill and working relationships with investigators and truck industry professionals to show how a truck overload accident or improperly loaded truck causes accidents – including yours.

At KBG Injury Law, we:

  • Work with investigators who examine the accident site after a truck accident happens.
  • Consult with the police about their investigation of your truck accident.
  • Review the various shipping and loading contracts and arrangements among the various companies that arranged the shipment and loaded the truck.
  • Examine any available black boxes and electronic logging devices to help show the various stresses on the driver and the truck.
  • Thoroughly question the truck driver, trucking company owners, and anyone who has knowledge about your accident.

Our Lancaster truck accident lawyers have the skills to file different types of claims – personal injury, product liability, and wrongful death – against multiple defendants.

Compensation

At KBG Injury Law, we work with your doctors to show the full scope and severity of your injuries. We demand compensation for all your damages including all your current and future:

  • Medical bills
  • Loss of income and work benefits
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering
  • Property damage such as damage to your vehicle
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of bodily function
  • Inability to enjoy life’s pleasures

Do you have a Lancaster truck accident lawyer near?

Yes. We meet truck accident victims at 1776 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601. Our truck accident lawyers consult with clients by phone and through online video. If your injuries prevent you from coming to our office, please contact us. We can make alternate arrangements to see you.

Our team will answer your questions and explain your rights. We’re here to fight for all the compensation you deserve.

Talk to our accomplished Lancaster truck accident lawyers today

At KBG Injury Law, we understand how anxious and upset you are. Truck cargo accidents often cause life-changing injuries. Many cargo accidents are fatal. Our Lancaster overloaded/improperly loaded truck accident lawyers have helped many accident victims like you obtain strong verdicts and settlements. Call us or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation. KBG Injury Law also maintains offices in York, Harrisburg, Hanover, and Gettysburg.