A frequent site on Washington State highways is large automobile transport trucks taking new cars to dealerships or transporting used cars to public auctions. These car haulers carry multiple cars carrying as many as 10 or 11 cars at one time.
It requires great skill on the part of the truck driver to safely load and secure vehicles safely on the transport truck. One wrong move can result in serious and potentially life-threatening injuries to other motorists.
The auto transport carriers are light when they are not carrying vehicles. Because of their large size and shape, these trailers can be unsteady and sudden movements by the driver may cause fishtailing or swerving that is difficult to control.
Causes of Auto Transport Carrier Accidents
Here are a few causes of auto transport truck accidents::
- Falling Vehicles. Vehicles traveling behind transport trucks are at risk for being struck by a vehicle fall.
- Overpass Strike Accidents. It is not uncommon for transport trucks to become wedged underneath overpasses causing rear-end collisions for cars trailing behind.
- Fires. Car carriers are transporting vehicles that are filled with gasoline and are likely to fuel an outbreak of flames.
- Overloading. An overloaded tractor-trailer poses a threat to other vehicles on the road. The extra weight on transport trucks can cause a driver to lose control of the carrier and/or increase stopping distance and braking time.
- Unsecured Cargo. A car carrier truck can lose vehicles without realizing it. A carrier may hit a large pothole and lose an unsecured vehicle hanging off the back, sending the unmanned vehicle falling onto the highway.
Holding Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies Accountable
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident involving an automobile transport truck, contact Chris Davis and the experienced team of accident attorneys at Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule your free legal consultation.
