When cargo is improperly loaded on commercial trucks, it creates serious safety hazards for everyone sharing San Bernardino County roads. The Law Offices of Edgar Lombera specializes in cases involving improper cargo loading accidents. Call us today at 909-915-0181 for a free consultation with our experienced attorneys.
Understanding the Risks of Improper Cargo Loading: Safety Implications for Truck Accidents in San Bernardino County
Improper cargo loading represents one of the most significant yet often overlooked risk factors in commercial truck accidents throughout San Bernardino County. With its position as a major logistics hub connecting California to the rest of the United States, the county experiences substantial commercial vehicle traffic daily. When cargo is improperly secured or distributed on these vehicles, the consequences can be devastating for all road users.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has established comprehensive regulations governing cargo securement to prevent accidents and protect public safety. Despite these regulations, improper loading continues to contribute to serious truck accidents on California highways. Understanding these risks is essential for preventing personal injury and property damage.
For those who have been injured in an accident caused by improperly loaded cargo, seeking legal representation from an experienced truck accident lawyer in San Bernardino County is crucial for securing fair compensation.
Overview of Improper Cargo Loading Risks in San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County’s unique geographic features create specific challenges for cargo transport. The region’s varied terrain includes mountain passes, desert highways, and busy urban corridors, each presenting distinct hazards when cargo is improperly loaded. The Interstate Highway System crossing the county carries thousands of commercial vehicles daily, making proper cargo securement a critical safety issue.
Several key factors make improper cargo loading particularly dangerous in this region:
Mountainous Terrain: The steep grades in areas like the Cajon Pass place additional stress on securing systems, increasing the risk of cargo shifts. Truck drivers must navigate these challenging roads with extreme caution, especially when carrying heavy or unstable loads. The weight distribution of cargo becomes even more critical in these conditions, as any imbalance can dramatically affect vehicle handling.
High Winds: Desert areas frequently experience strong crosswinds that can affect truck stability, especially when loads are improperly balanced. The high profile of commercial vehicles makes them particularly susceptible to these winds, and when the center of gravity is elevated due to improper loading, the risk of rollover accidents increases substantially.
Heavy Traffic Volume: The county’s position as a logistics hub means trucks often operate in congested traffic conditions where emergency maneuvers may be necessary, potentially causing unsecured cargo to shift. The combination of passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles sharing crowded highways creates a dangerous environment when cargo is not properly secured.
Long-Haul Routes: Many trucks passing through San Bernardino County are engaged in long-distance transport, increasing the likelihood of load shifting over time if not properly secured initially. As vehicles travel hundreds of miles, the constant vibration and movement can loosen restraints or cause cargo to settle in ways that affect weight distribution.
When cargo loading issues lead to accidents, victims may suffer serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and therapy. These victims may be entitled to substantial damages through personal injury claims, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Common Causes of Improper Cargo Loading
Several factors frequently contribute to improper cargo loading incidents that lead to accidents in San Bernardino County:
Inadequate Weight Distribution
Proper weight distribution is essential for safe truck operation. When cargo weight is unevenly distributed across the vehicle and trailer, it can cause several dangerous conditions. Excessive weight on front axles can reduce steering effectiveness, while overloaded rear axles can reduce traction and braking capability. Weight distribution problems also create uneven tire wear and can lead to tire failures at highway speeds.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides specific guidelines for weight distribution, including axle weight limits and overall vehicle weight restrictions. Commercial vehicles must comply with these regulations to ensure safe operation. When a vehicle exceeds these weight limits or has improperly distributed cargo, it creates significant hazards for everyone on the road.
Weight distribution issues become particularly problematic on San Bernardino County’s varied terrain. Going downhill with too much weight on the front axles can overwhelm the braking system, while climbing with too much rear weight can reduce traction. Truck drivers must understand how cargo weight affects their vehicle’s performance in these different conditions.
Unsecured or Inadequately Secured Loads
Cargo must be properly secured to prevent movement during transport. This is not merely a safety recommendation but a legal requirement enforced by regulatory compliance officers. Inadequate securing often results from insufficient tie-downs or restraints, using damaged securing devices, or improper application of securement techniques.
Different types of cargo require different securing methods. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s cargo securement regulations specify the number, type, and placement of tie-downs based on cargo weight and characteristics. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in cargo shifts or complete load loss during transport.
The dangers of unsecured cargo extend beyond the truck itself. When cargo falls from a vehicle, it creates immediate hazards for other road users. Debris scattered across travel lanes can cause secondary accidents as drivers swerve to avoid obstacles, potentially leading to multi-vehicle pileups. These incidents can be especially dangerous for motorcycle riders and bicycle users who have less protection than those in enclosed vehicles.
Overloaded Vehicles
Exceeding a vehicle’s weight capacity creates numerous safety hazards that significantly increase accident risk. Overloaded vehicles require greater stopping distances due to increased momentum, which is particularly dangerous in emergency situations. The excess weight also places stress on braking systems, potentially leading to brake failure on long downgrades.
Vehicle weight concerns extend to structural components as well. Frames, suspensions, and coupling devices can fail when subjected to loads beyond their design capacity. These mechanical failures often occur at the worst possible moments, such as during evasive maneuvers or when navigating difficult terrain.
Commercial vehicle inspections at California weigh stations are designed to catch these overloading violations before they cause accidents. However, some carriers attempt to bypass these checkpoints or otherwise evade weight restrictions to increase profitability, putting public safety at risk in the process.
Inadequate Training and Oversight
Many improper loading incidents stem from human factors, particularly inadequate training and oversight. Loaders may lack understanding of how cargo placement affects vehicle stability and safety. Without proper training in weight distribution principles and securing techniques, loading personnel may create dangerous conditions without realizing it.
Time pressure also contributes to loading issues. When facing tight delivery schedules, there may be pressure to rush the loading process, skipping important safety checks or taking shortcuts with cargo securement. This pressure can come from various sources, including employers, shippers, or the competitive nature of the transport industry itself.
Communication problems between loaders, dispatchers, and truck drivers further complicate the situation. When the person loading the cargo fails to communicate special handling requirements or weight concerns to the driver, the driver may be unaware of potential hazards until it’s too late. Effective communication systems are essential for preventing these dangerous misunderstandings.
Impact of Improper Loading on Truck Stability and Control
Improper cargo loading directly affects a truck’s handling characteristics, creating hazardous conditions that increase accident risk. Understanding these effects helps illustrate why proper loading is so crucial for safety on San Bernardino County roads.
Center of Gravity Issues
The center of gravity is a critical factor in vehicle stability. When cargo is loaded incorrectly, it can raise or shift a truck’s center of gravity, with serious consequences for vehicle handling. A higher center of gravity increases rollover risk, especially when cornering or navigating the winding roads common in parts of San Bernardino County.
When the center of gravity is too far forward or backward, it affects weight distribution between axles, compromising steering and braking effectiveness. Off-center loading creates uneven tire contact with the road, reducing traction and making the vehicle more susceptible to skidding, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Perhaps most dangerous is a shifting center of gravity during transport due to moving cargo. When improperly secured loads shift during travel, they can cause sudden and unpredictable changes in handling that even experienced truck drivers may be unable to counteract. This dynamic instability has been identified as a contributing factor in numerous serious accidents throughout the Interstate Highway System.
Braking Performance
Improper cargo loading significantly impacts braking ability, which is especially dangerous on San Bernardino County’s varied terrain. Overloaded vehicles require greater stopping distances due to increased momentum, while uneven weight distribution can cause asymmetric braking performance, pulling the vehicle to one side during hard braking.
Forward-shifted loads place excessive stress on front brakes, potentially causing them to overheat and fail during extended downhill driving. This is particularly relevant on the long descents found on routes like Interstate 15 through the Cajon Pass, where brake failures have caused numerous serious accidents.
Unsecured cargo may shift forward during braking, further destabilizing the vehicle and potentially crushing the cab in severe cases. This forward momentum can overwhelm the vehicle’s braking capacity, making it impossible to stop in time to avoid a collision. Understanding these dynamics is essential for truck drivers navigating San Bernardino County’s challenging roadways.
Maneuverability Constraints
A properly loaded truck maintains reasonable maneuverability for its size. Improper loading compromises this capability in various ways that increase accident risk. Overloaded front axles make steering heavier and less responsive, while uneven side-to-side loading creates pulling to one side that must be constantly corrected by the driver.
Top-heavy loads reduce the safe speed for cornering, requiring drivers to slow significantly for turns that would otherwise be navigable at normal speeds. This speed differential between trucks and other traffic can itself create hazardous situations, especially on busy highways where passenger car drivers may not anticipate the truck’s reduced speed.
The maneuverability constraints become especially problematic in emergency situations when quick, controlled maneuvers are necessary to avoid collisions. When sudden obstacles appear, drivers of improperly loaded trucks may find themselves unable to steer effectively to avoid impact, potentially leading to more severe accidents than would otherwise occur.
Consequences of Cargo Shifts During Transport
When improperly secured cargo shifts during transport, the consequences can be severe and immediate, often resulting in serious accidents and injuries.
Jackknifing Incidents
Sudden cargo shifts can trigger jackknifing, where the trailer swings out at an angle to the truck. This dangerous situation often occurs during braking when unsecured cargo moves forward, effectively pushing the trailer from behind. Once this motion begins, it’s extremely difficult for even experienced truck drivers to recover control.
Jackknifing incidents frequently block multiple lanes of traffic, potentially causing pile-up accidents on busy highways. These events are particularly dangerous on the heavily traveled routes through San Bernardino County, where high traffic volumes increase the likelihood of multiple vehicles becoming involved. Commercial vehicle jackknifing due to cargo shifts represents one of the most dangerous scenarios on California highways.
Cargo Spills and Road Hazards
When cargo breaks free from restraints, it can spill onto roadways, creating immediate hazards for all road users. These spills may include anything from consumer goods to construction materials or even hazardous substances. The debris scattered across travel lanes forces other drivers to make sudden maneuvers to avoid obstacles, often resulting in secondary accidents.
Cargo spills can also affect road conditions, reducing traction due to spilled materials or creating physical obstacles that damage vehicles. Cleanup operations for major spills may require road closures, causing significant traffic disruptions and economic impacts. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has identified unsecured cargo as a major highway safety concern for precisely these reasons.
Vehicle Rollovers
Top-heavy or unevenly loaded trucks are prone to rollover, especially when navigating curves or ramps, making emergency maneuvers, or operating in strong crosswinds. San Bernardino County’s combination of mountain roads, desert highways with high winds, and busy interchange ramps creates numerous situations where improperly loaded vehicles may roll over.
Rollovers are among the most dangerous truck accidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for both the truck driver and occupants of nearby vehicles. When large commercial vehicles roll, they may crush smaller passenger vehicles or create multi-lane blockages that lead to chain-reaction crashes. The extensive property damage and serious injuries resulting from these incidents often lead to complex litigation and substantial insurance claims.
Frequently Reported Truck Accidents in San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County sees several recurring types of truck accidents related to improper cargo loading, each with distinct characteristics and dangers.
Interstate Highway Incidents
The county’s position as a major transportation corridor means many cargo-related accidents occur on its interstate highways. Interstate 15 through the Cajon Pass sees frequent incidents related to brake failures and loss of control on steep grades, often exacerbated by improper loading and weight distribution issues.
Interstate 10, running east-west through the county, experiences accidents related to high-speed travel with unstable loads. This major artery for commercial transport connects the ports of Los Angeles with destinations throughout the United States, carrying enormous volumes of cargo daily. When this cargo is improperly secured or distributed, the results can be catastrophic.
Interstate 40’s desert sections create challenges with crosswinds affecting improperly loaded trailers. The flat, open terrain offers little protection from strong winds that can push against the high profile of commercial vehicles. When combined with cargo loading issues that raise the center of gravity, these conditions significantly increase rollover risk.
For victims of these highway accidents, consulting with a specialized truck accident lawyer in San Bernardino County is essential for understanding legal options and pursuing just compensation.
Urban Distribution Accidents
As cargo is transported to local destinations, unique loading challenges arise that can lead to accidents in more populated areas. Partial loads that aren’t properly redistributed or secured after deliveries create unstable conditions for continued transport. The repeated load adjustments required for multiple-stop routes increase the opportunity for loading errors.
These urban distribution accidents often occur in areas with higher concentrations of passenger vehicles, increasing the risk of injuries to others. They may also affect pedestrians or property when cargo escapes the vehicle or when trucks lose control due to shifting loads. While perhaps less spectacular than highway incidents, these accidents can still cause significant personal injury and property damage.
The congested nature of urban environments requires commercial vehicles to make more frequent maneuvers, including tight turns, lane changes, and sudden stops. Each of these actions tests load stability and magnifies the consequences of improper loading. Urban distribution accidents demonstrate that cargo safety isn’t just a concern for long-haul transport but affects all phases of goods movement.
Mountain Route Accidents
San Bernardino County’s mountain routes present special challenges for loaded trucks that require particular attention to cargo weight and securement. Steep grades test both braking systems and cargo securement, with gravity amplifying the effects of any loading errors. Descending these grades with overweight vehicles or poorly distributed loads has led to numerous tragic accidents when trucks lose braking capacity.
Winding roads subject loads to centrifugal forces that can cause shifts if cargo isn’t properly secured. As trucks navigate curves, the forces acting on the cargo change direction, testing the limits of tie-downs and other securing devices. Any failure in these systems can result in sudden cargo movements that destabilize the vehicle.
Weather conditions including snow and ice further complicate transport of improperly loaded cargo in mountain areas. Reduced traction makes weight distribution even more critical, as overloaded axles may lose grip on slippery surfaces. The combination of adverse weather, challenging terrain, and cargo issues creates particularly dangerous conditions that have contributed to many serious accidents in the region.
Legal Liability in Improper Cargo Loading Cases
When improper loading leads to accidents, various parties may bear legal liability for resulting damages and injuries. Understanding these liability issues is essential for victims seeking justice after cargo-related accidents.
Trucking Company Responsibility
Trucking companies have significant legal liability regarding cargo loading practices. They are responsible for establishing proper loading procedures, training personnel, and ensuring regulatory compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. When they fail to meet these obligations, they may be held legally liable for negligence in personal injury claims.
Companies must maintain appropriate equipment for cargo securement and ensure vehicles aren’t operated when overloaded or improperly loaded. This responsibility extends to supervising and verifying proper loading practices, including weight distribution across axles and proper securing of different cargo types.
Many trucking companies attempt to shield themselves from liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. However, courts increasingly recognize the company’s ultimate responsibility for ensuring safe operations, including proper cargo loading and securement, regardless of these employment classifications.
Shipper and Loader Liability
The parties who prepare and load cargo also bear significant responsibility and potential legal liability. Shippers must accurately declare cargo weight and characteristics, properly prepare cargo for transport, and follow industry standards for loading and securement. Loaders must understand and implement proper weight distribution and securing techniques for the specific cargo being transported.
Communication between shippers, loaders, and carriers is crucial for safety. Failure to communicate special handling requirements or cargo characteristics can contribute to accidents and create legal liability. When these parties cut corners or fail to follow proper procedures, they may share responsibility for resulting accidents and injuries.
The complex relationship between shippers, loaders, and carriers sometimes creates confusion about responsibility, but courts generally hold that each party has specific obligations that cannot be delegated away. This shared responsibility approach ensures that all participants in the cargo transport chain maintain proper safety standards.
Driver Responsibilities
Truck drivers represent an important link in cargo safety, with specific legal responsibilities regarding load inspection and monitoring. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations require drivers to inspect their cargo before driving and periodically during transport to ensure it remains secure. Failure to conduct these inspections may constitute negligence when accidents occur.
Drivers must refuse to operate vehicles with obviously unsafe loads, even when faced with pressure from employers or shippers. They must also make appropriate driving adjustments based on load characteristics, including reducing speed in curves, leaving extra following distance, and taking special care on grades or in adverse weather.
While drivers bear significant responsibility, the courts recognize the pressure they often face from employers and the limited control they may have over how cargo is initially loaded. This reality doesn’t eliminate driver liability but does place it in context when determining the share of responsibility in accident cases.
Legal Options for Victims of Improper Cargo Loading Accidents
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by improperly loaded cargo in San Bernardino County, you have several legal options for seeking compensation for your injuries and damages.
Personal Injury Claims
Victims may pursue personal injury claims against responsible parties to recover damages including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. These claims require establishing that the improper loading constituted negligence and directly caused the injuries sustained.
Personal injury claims related to cargo issues can be particularly complex due to the technical nature of loading regulations and the multiple parties potentially involved. Working with a truck accident lawyer in San Bernardino County who understands these complexities is essential for building an effective case and securing fair compensation.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is generally two years from the date of the accident, making it important to consult with an attorney promptly. Delaying too long may result in the loss of important evidence and could potentially bar recovery altogether if the deadline passes.
Insurance Claims Process
Navigating the insurance claims process after a cargo-related accident requires careful attention to detail and an understanding of how insurance companies evaluate these claims. Commercial vehicles typically carry higher policy limits than passenger vehicles, but insurers will still work to minimize payouts whenever possible.
Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame to other parties or argue that factors other than cargo loading caused the accident. They may also dispute the severity of injuries or question the necessity of medical treatments. Having experienced legal representation helps counter these tactics and ensures fair treatment during the claims process.
Documentation is crucial for insurance claims, including police reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and medical records. Your attorney can help gather and preserve this evidence, presenting it effectively to insurance adjusters to support your claim for damages.
Litigation and Settlement Considerations
While many cases settle through negotiation, some require litigation to achieve fair compensation. The decision to settle or proceed to trial depends on various factors, including the strength of evidence, the extent of damages, and the positions taken by defendants and their insurers.
Settlement offers should be evaluated carefully with the assistance of your attorney. Early offers are often inadequate to cover the full extent of damages, particularly when injuries require ongoing treatment or result in permanent disability. A qualified attorney can help assess whether a settlement offer is fair or whether litigation offers a better path to justice.
If litigation becomes necessary, having an attorney with trial experience is invaluable. From jury selection to the presentation of complex evidence regarding cargo loading standards, every aspect of the trial requires specific expertise. The Law Offices of Edgar Lombera brings this specialized experience to each cargo-related accident case we handle.
Strategies for Preventing Improper Cargo Loading Accidents
While legal remedies exist for victims, preventing these dangerous accidents remains the ultimate goal. Several strategies can help reduce the risk of improper loading incidents.
Comprehensive Training Programs
Effective training is essential for all parties involved in cargo transport. Load planners need to understand weight distribution principles and how to calculate safe cargo arrangements. Loaders must receive hands-on training in proper securement techniques for different cargo types. Drivers require education on load inspection and stability assessment to identify potential problems before they cause accidents.
Training should emphasize the physics of cargo transport, including how forces like gravity, momentum, and centrifugal force affect loads during different driving maneuvers. Understanding these principles helps loaders and drivers anticipate potential problems and take appropriate preventive measures.
Regular refresher training keeps safety at the forefront of operations and ensures awareness of changing regulations or best practices. This ongoing education represents an investment in safety that benefits not only the company but all road users.
Technological Solutions
Modern technology offers valuable tools for improving loading safety and preventing accidents. Weight distribution calculation software can help planners optimize load placement for safety. On-board scales provide real-time weight monitoring that allows drivers to verify compliance with axle weight limits. Load stability monitoring systems can alert drivers to potential shifting or instability before it leads to an accident.
Advanced securing systems, including tension monitors for tie-downs and specialized restraints for different cargo types, improve load security during transport. When properly implemented, these technologies reduce reliance on subjective judgment and provide objective verification of safety standards.
The initial investment in these technologies is typically far less than the potential costs of accidents, including legal liability, insurance increases, and damage to reputation. Forward-thinking companies recognize this reality and embrace technological solutions as part of their safety culture.
Regulatory Compliance Systems
Structured approaches to regulatory compliance help ensure consistent adherence to safety standards across all operations. Detailed checklists for loading procedures provide step-by-step guidance that reduces the risk of overlooked safety measures. Documentation requirements for cargo weight and securement create accountability and allow for verification of proper procedures.
Regular audits of loading practices help identify potential problems before they cause accidents. These proactive assessments can reveal training needs, equipment issues, or procedural gaps that require attention. By addressing these issues proactively, companies can prevent the conditions that lead to cargo-related accidents.
Integration of regulatory requirements into standard operating procedures ensures that safety isn’t treated as an optional add-on but as a fundamental aspect of operations. This systems approach to compliance creates a culture where safety becomes habitual rather than exceptional.
Conclusion
Improper cargo loading continues to pose significant risks on San Bernardino County roads. The combination of the region’s varied terrain, heavy commercial traffic, and position as a major transport corridor makes proper loading practices especially critical for public safety.
When accidents occur due to cargo loading issues, victims need knowledgeable legal representation to navigate the complex liability issues and secure appropriate compensation for their injuries and damages. Understanding the technical aspects of proper loading, the regulatory requirements, and the responsibilities of various parties is essential for building effective claims.
The Law Offices of Edgar Lombera provides dedicated representation for victims of accidents caused by improper cargo loading throughout San Bernardino County. Our truck accident lawyers have the specialized knowledge and experience needed to hold negligent parties accountable and help clients receive the justice they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Improper Cargo Loading
How does improper cargo loading affect passenger cars differently from commercial vehicles?
Passenger cars are more vulnerable to the consequences of cargo spills and debris from improperly loaded trucks. Their smaller size and lower profile make them susceptible to being crushed in accidents involving shifting cargo from commercial vehicles. Additionally, passenger car drivers often lack visibility of improperly loaded cargo on trucks ahead of them, reducing their ability to anticipate and avoid potential hazards.
Can motorcycle riders file specific claims related to cargo hazards?
Yes, motorcycle riders who are injured due to cargo-related hazards have specific legal options. These riders face heightened risks from debris, shifting loads, or trucks that lose control due to cargo issues. Their injuries are often more severe due to their exposed position on the road. A specialized attorney can help motorcycle riders build claims that account for these unique vulnerabilities and secure appropriate compensation for their injuries.
What evidence is most important in proving improper loading caused an accident?
Crucial evidence includes photographs of the accident scene showing cargo position, securing devices, and any visible weight distribution issues. Witness testimony about cargo movement or truck behavior before the accident can be invaluable. Loading documentation, weight tickets, and driver inspection reports help establish whether proper procedures were followed. Expert analysis of this evidence can connect improper loading directly to the accident mechanism, strengthening your claim against responsible parties.
How do United States regulations on cargo securement compare to international standards?
The United States, through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, has developed comprehensive cargo securement regulations that are generally aligned with those of Canada and Mexico to facilitate cross-border transport. These regulations specify performance criteria for securing devices and provide commodity-specific requirements for different cargo types. While there are some variations in implementation between countries, the fundamental safety principles remain consistent across North American jurisdictions.
What should I do if I witness unsafe cargo on a truck on California highways?
If you observe visibly unsafe cargo, such as unsecured loads or obvious overloading, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle and report it to the California Highway Patrol when it’s safe to do so. Note the truck’s company name, DOT number, and license plate if possible. This reporting helps authorities intercept dangerous vehicles before accidents occur and creates documentation that may be valuable if the unsafe cargo later causes an accident.
How do buses handle cargo differently than freight trucks?
Buses face unique cargo challenges because they transport both passengers and luggage. Improper loading of luggage compartments can affect bus stability and handling, potentially endangering passengers. Bus operators must ensure even weight distribution and proper securing of all items in storage compartments. Unlike freight trucks, buses must also consider passenger safety when making loading decisions, including maintaining clear aisles and emergency exits regardless of cargo volume.
Can improper loading void insurance coverage for trucking companies?
In some cases, yes. Insurance policies typically require compliance with safety regulations, including those governing cargo loading and securement. Deliberate violations, such as knowingly operating an overloaded vehicle or falsifying weight records, may constitute grounds for insurers to deny coverage. This situation can complicate victims’ ability to recover damages, potentially requiring litigation against both the trucking company and its insurer to secure appropriate compensation.
How does weather affect the risks associated with improperly loaded cargo?
Weather conditions significantly amplify the dangers of improper loading. Rain reduces road traction, making weight distribution even more critical for maintaining control. High winds exert additional force on high-profile loads, increasing rollover risk for top-heavy vehicles. Snow and ice reduce a truck’s ability to brake and maneuver, making it more susceptible to the effects of shifting cargo. Proper loading becomes even more crucial in adverse weather, requiring additional securing measures and potentially reduced speed limits.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving improperly loaded cargo in San Bernardino County, don’t face the legal process alone. Contact the Law Offices of Edgar Lombera at 909-915-0181 for a free consultation with our experienced attorneys. We’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique and requires personalized evaluation by a qualified attorney.
