When most people think of dangerous commercial trucks, they imagine overloaded trailers, worn-out brakes, or high-speed rollovers. However, trucks carrying too little or nothing can pose serious threats to Georgia highways. Empty or underloaded trucks may seem less threatening because of their lighter weight, but in reality, they can be harder to control, more prone to skidding, and more difficult to stop in emergencies.
Understanding the hidden danger of empty loads is essential if you’ve been hurt in a truck-related roadway incident. These cases often require a deeper investigation into the truck’s weight, cargo distribution, and handling dynamics to reveal what caused the harm. Our skilled Atlanta truck collision attorneys at Ashby Thelen Lowry can help.
Why Are Empty Trucks So Dangerous?
Commercial trucks are designed to operate best under a certain load range. When a truck is significantly underloaded or running with an empty trailer, it can behave unpredictably.
Some of the most dangerous consequences include:
- Increased stopping distance: With less weight on the rear axles, empty trailers have less traction, especially during hard braking or wet weather.
- Trailer sway: Lighter trailers are more vulnerable to crosswinds and lane drift, making them harder to keep stable.
- Jackknifing risk: An empty trailer can sometimes swing out during sudden stops or evasive maneuvers, especially if the truck travels at highway speeds.
- Overcompensation by drivers: Drivers accustomed to the feel of a full load may misjudge their braking or turning, leading to loss of control.
Georgia’s unpredictable weather and congested urban highways—from I-285 to I-75—only increase the risk when empty trucks are mishandled.
When Is a Truck Considered “Underloaded”?
No single number defines “underloaded,” but it generally refers to situations where the truck’s trailer has too little weight to stabilize its movement under normal driving conditions.
Some examples include:
- A delivery truck that has just completed its last drop-off.
- A semi-truck returning from a shipment without a backhaul.
- A trailer loaded improperly, with weight distributed unevenly or too far forward or back.
In these cases, even a skilled driver may struggle to maintain control, especially if driving too fast for the road or traffic conditions.
Proving Fault in Empty Load Cases
These types of cases require a deeper investigation than most.
Proving that a truck’s light load contributed to the harm you suffered often involves:
- Reviewing weight records and delivery schedules.
- Examining dashcam footage and GPS data.
- Consulting with experts in truck handling and cargo distribution.
- Determining whether the driver was trained to operate underloaded trailers.
We understand the urgency of gathering evidence in these cases at Ashby Thelen Lowry. We move quickly to gather this evidence before it’s lost. Timing is critical, especially in commercial transportation cases where companies may attempt to shield themselves from liability.
Why Ashby Thelen Lowry Is the Right Team for Your Case
Our Atlanta-based personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of trucking cases, including the less obvious dangers of empty loads. We dig deeper, consult with top experts, and bring decades of experience to every case. We have successfully represented clients where a truck’s handling, weight, or load played a role in their injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a truck-related incident, we’re here to uncover the truth and fight for the justice you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. If you’ve been injured in a truck-related incident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We’re ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.