Shifting Cargo And Improper Loading: A Common Cause Of Rollover Truck Accidents In Metro Atlanta
Truck accidents in Atlanta occur far too frequently, particularly on the I-285 beltway and on Interstates 20, 75, and 85. Rollovers are among the leading ways they happen. They can shut down highways for hours afterward, impact drivers in multiple lanes, and leave victims with debilitating injuries. Shifting cargo due to improper loading practices is a common cause.
When freight is not properly secured, it can move suddenly during turns, lane changes, or braking, potentially causing the truck to tip or overturn. If you were injured in a Georgia rollover accident, our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers are here to help. Find out the role cargo-related negligence plays in these accidents and how to hold the responsible parties accountable.
How Improperly Loaded Cargo Increases Atlanta Truck Rollover Risks
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reports that semi-truck, tractor-trailers, and other commercial vehicles are involved in more than 23,000 accidents throughout the state each year. Rollovers are among the most common ways they happen.
A rollover truck accident can occur when a trucker takes turns too fast or engages in other reckless driving behaviors. However, improperly loaded cargo often plays a role in these crashes. Truckers carry thousands of pounds of cargo, and even small shifts in weight can have serious consequences.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict requirements for truck cargo weights. However, in an effort to keep up with demands, overloading is common. Other issues that increase Atlanta rollover truck accident risks include:
- Improper stacking and uneven weight distribution;
- Loose or unsecured cargo;
- Liquid cargo sloshing inside tanks;
- Failure to follow state and federal cargo securement rules.
When cargo shifts unexpectedly, the driver may lose control within seconds, especially on curved ramps, highway exits, or congested roads like I-285.
Evidence To Prove Cargo-Related Negligence in an Atlanta Truck Accident Claim
Atlanta truck rollover accidents caused by shifting cargo often involve multiple responsible parties. The trucking company, cargo loaders, or third-party contractors may all share liability.
However, you’ll need to prove cargo issues were to blame, which requires strong evidence, such as:
- Driver statements and logs, indicating any cargo or handling issues.
- Cargo loading records, showing how freight was distributed.
- Inspection reports, noting whether the cargo was properly loaded and secured.
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts detailing how the cargo shift caused the crash.
This evidence can show whether safety standards were ignored and who should be held accountable.
Contact Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers After A Rollover Crash
Truck rollover accidents are common throughout Georgia and can leave drivers nearby suffering debilitating injuries. At Shiver Hamilton Campbell, we determine who is responsible and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash, contact our office today to request a consultation with our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers. We represent clients throughout the state, including Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, and Decatur, as well as Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties, and coastal regions such as Savannah and St. Simons Island.
Sources:
gahighwaysafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2021-Large-Trucks-Georgia-Traffic-Safety-Facts.pdf
csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyplanner/MyFiles/SubSections.aspx?ch=22&sec=64&sub=132
