Large trucks are specifically designed to transport packed loads of cargo from point A to point B. However, the design makes them susceptible to rollover truck accidents in Athens, particularly if the driver is not careful or the trailer is overloaded.
Following injuries in a crash like this, a truck crash attorney could establish if you are eligible to recover financial compensation to take care of yourself and your family. The lawyers at The Law Offices of Joshua W. Branch, LLC, could help you with filing a claim and working through the legal process.
These vehicles are capable of hauling a large amount of cargo over long distances and often for several hours in a row. All makes and models of these commercial trucks have a maximum carrying weight, known as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the sum of everything from the cargo itself to the engine and the driver.
Truck drivers and transportation companies need to be aware of the GVWR to avoid overloading a vehicle. Calculating the GVWR involves counting the number of axles underneath—the shafts between the wheels that transfer power from the engine and evenly distribute the weight. Too much weight could put a strain on the axles to the point of breaking while the vehicle is in motion, and with nothing to slow down the trailer, it is likely to spin out of control and roll along the road and anything in its path.
Truck drivers and other employees must exercise due care while behind the wheel to prevent rollovers and collisions with other vehicles in Athens. Speeding or taking a turn too sharply could cause the trailer to tip over. Loading managers should also ensure that they secure the cargo correctly so it does not shift to one side of the trailer, creating an imbalanced load.
As in all cases involving a collision between two or more vehicles, determining who was at fault is key to reaching a resolution. Sometimes this is challenging because it could come down to the smallest of details. When the wreckage is due to a semi-trailer tipping over in Athens, however, the fault likely lies with someone involved with the truck.
It could be the driver if they were speeding or driving carelessly. It might be that the person in charge of loading stacked the cargo improperly. Or it could be on the trucking company for allowing the trailer to get overloaded. Even if the cause is something out of anyone’s control, such as wet or icy road conditions, the driver and company could still be liable for failing to drive carefully in such conditions.
Of course, this is rarely straightforward, and figuring out who was responsible requires a thorough investigation. An experienced lawyer knows what to look for and what questions to ask to reach a conclusion.
Rollover truck accidents in Athens are devastating and could leave you with serious injuries. The lawyers at The Law Offices of Joshua W. Branch, LLC, could help you file a claim for compensation so you can restore your life.
Our team understands that injuries caused by something that was not your fault are stressful and confusing. Call us today to arrange an initial consultation on your case.
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