Boats, ATVs, campers and heavy equipment travel Louisiana roads every single day on trailers of all shapes and sizes. Most drivers focus on the road ahead without giving much thought to how that trailer behind them was loaded.
At highway speeds, a poorly loaded trailer can behave in ways no one can predict. This puts drivers close by in serious danger. What seems like a minor loading oversight can quickly turn into a life-altering crash.
Common trailer loading mistakes that cause accidents
Loading a trailer may seem straightforward, but small mistakes can have devastating consequences out on the road. For example:
- Uneven weight distribution: Loading too much weight on one side of the trailer can cause it to sway or tip, especially when making turns or changing lanes at speed.
- Unsecured cargo or vehicles: ATVs, boats or equipment that shift during transit can throw off the trailer’s balance and cause the towing vehicle to lose control.
- Overloading beyond weight limits: Exceeding the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating puts enormous strain on the towing vehicle’s brakes and steering, making it much harder to stop in an emergency.
- Improperly secured ramps: Unsecured ramps can slide out during transit and create a serious road hazard for vehicles traveling behind the trailer.
- Missing or faulty safety chains: Safety chains act as a critical backup if the trailer detaches from the hitch — without them a detached trailer becomes a dangerous projectile on the road.
These loading mistakes may seem avoidable in hindsight, but the legal risks they trigger can be far-reaching.
When improper loading becomes a legal liability in Louisiana
Louisiana law holds drivers and owners responsible for operating safe equipment on public roads. Here are some factors to take note of:
- Louisiana negligence laws require drivers to exercise reasonable care when towing a trailer, and failing to load it properly could constitute a breach of that duty
- Both the driver and the trailer’s owner may share liability depending on the circumstances of the accident
- Improperly loaded trailers commonly cause serious injuries including broken bones, spinal injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Victims of these accidents may have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering
A trailer loading mistake can happen in just minutes. The consequences, meanwhile, can leave victims reeling for years. If an improperly loaded trailer injured you on a Louisiana road, knowing your legal options can be an important first step toward recovery.
