One of the most common causes of trucking accidents in New Jersey is the overloading or improper loading of large commercial vehicles including semi-trucks, tractor trailers, tankers and 18-wheelers. Accidents caused by overloaded or improperly loaded commercial trucking vehicles can create unique risks to other vehicles on the road.
These types of accidents frequently involve multiple vehicles which can lead to devastating truck accident injuries including broken bones, loss of limbs, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, internal bleeding, paralysis and even death.
Regulatory Liability
Trucking companies must adhere to both state and federal regulations regarding the loading of commercial trucks. These regulations impose specific weight limits on commercial truck cargo and require that cargo be firmly secured on or within the commercial truck. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforces multiple laws related to the safe and proper loading of truck cargo.
Accidents Caused by Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trucks
Improper loading of trucks can occur when the appropriate securing mechanisms are not used such as dunnage materials for cargo protection, dunnage bags, tie downs and shoring bars. Failure to use proper restraints like wedges, chocks or cradles can cause cargo to roll.
Overloading of cargo can result in overweight loads which violate the commercial trucking industry’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating system designed to limit the amount of cargo weight a truck can transport based on the truck’s brakes, axels, frames, powertrain and suspension system. Both overloading and improperly loading cargo on a commercial vehicle dramatically increases the risk of a trucking accident.
Improper or overloading of commercial trucks can result in dangerous driving situations including:
- Jack-knifing and roll overs due to top heaviness
- Overturning around curves
- Shifting and improper distribution of cargo
- Falling debris
- Cargo falling directly onto other vehicles or pedestrians
- Increasing speeds going down inclines
- Tire blowouts
- Loss of steering control while changing lanes
Dangerous Cargo
Commercial trucks often transport dangerous cargo which can cause serious property damage and physical injury if the cargo shifts or falls off during transport. Especially dangerous cargo ranges from heavy concrete pipes, metal coils, large appliances, timber and even other motor vehicles. Many federal and state trucking regulations address commodity specific securement requirements for these types of cargo.
Potentially Responsible Parties
Trucking accidents caused by overloaded or improperly loaded cargo may result from the negligence of several potentially responsible parties. Truck accident victims should obtain the assistance of an experienced New Jersey truck accident lawyer to help them determine the identity of all potentially responsible parties such as truck drivers, operators, owners, leasing companies, trucking companies, parts manufacturers, parts installers or repairers, equipment sellers and distributors, maintenance companies and road designers.
Contact a New Jersey Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you or your loved one has been injured in a New Jersey trucking accident caused by the overloading or improperly loading of cargo, you may be entitled to compensation. New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Grungo Colarulo work with families who are experiencing the financial and emotional stress caused by accidents involving trucks or tractor-trailers.
With their extensive knowledge of the complexities of state and federal motor vehicle regulations, including Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations and New Jersey Department of Transportation regulations, our experienced New Jersey trucking accident lawyers will help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation for the costs of past and future medical treatment, drug prescriptions, therapy costs, lost wages as well as damages for pain and suffering.
Testimonials
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This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Testimonial from Paul D. -
My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Testimonial from Pamela A. -
Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Testimonial from Ahmed A. -
My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Testimonial from Patrick G. -
I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Testimonial from Sheila L. -
Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
Testimonial from Michael M. -
First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
Testimonial from Rachel F. -
From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
Testimonial from Jeffrey F. -
This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Testimonial from Pat G. -
This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Testimonial from Aminah M. -
A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
Testimonial from Mickey -
I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Testimonial -
Thank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
Testimonial from HD -
It was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
Testimonial from Gregory -
I had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
Testimonial from Denise -
Hi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Testimonial from Bob
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