Poorly Loaded Semi-Trailers Cause Serious Accidents in Louisiana.

A sizeable portion of large truck accidents in Louisiana are caused by:

• A truck driver error, like distraction, falling asleep, etc;
• A mechanical failure, like defective brakes or worn-out tires;
• Incorrectly loaded and secured cargo.

The truck driver is generally responsible for making sure that the cargo is loaded correctly and distributed evenly. It is the driver's duty to collect information on the sizes and weights of the various packages, crates, pallets or units that are being loaded onto the trailer, and to make sure the heaviest and more resistant parts are placed at the bottom.

Load distribution is more complicated when part of the cargo will be discharged at several points of delivery, each time requiring these items to be accessible and the remaining cargo to be re-distributed and secured again.

Inside the trailer or on a flatbed, cargo must be fastened in a way that prevents anything from rolling, shifting or falling in a sharp turn or sudden stop. After a few miles, cargo may settle and loosen nylon or steel straps. Experienced truck drivers will then stop to tighten the straps again, and will do a complete check each time the truck comes to a halt.

Furthermore, truck drivers will have to take into account federal and Louisiana regulations regarding total gross weight, tire load and weight per axle, applicable on the various roads and highways used by the truck.

A tractor-trailer with excess weight or with poorly distributed, top-heavy or incorrectly secured cargo is very likely to be drawn into a serious roll-over or jackknife crash, spilling cargo and bringing devastation to all those involved.

At the Young Firm in New Orleans we are dedicated to the safety of our clients. If you have been involved in a tractor-trailer wreck, contact us for a free evaluation of your case.