Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles are unwieldy due to their size. Overloaded tractor-trailers are even harder to manage and more likely to cause traffic accidents. When trucking companies do not abide by weight regulations, their drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicles and harm other motorists.

If you have sustained injuries due to an improperly or overly loaded vehicle, call a dedicated truck collision attorney at Tittle & Perlmuter. Our legal team has a track record of effectively handling overloaded/overweight truck accidents, and we will put this experience to work in pursuing compensation for your losses.

What Constitutes an Overloaded Tractor-Trailer?

Manufacturers design trucks to only safely carry a certain amount of cargo. As such, trucking companies are subject to weight regulations at both the state and federal levels. The maximum amount of weight for a given commercial vehicle is defined based on the “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.” This threshold is determined according to a truck’s braking system, axle and frame design, powertrain, and suspension.

Truck operators and the freight carrier companies that employ them must adhere to federal and state rules. Weigh stations placed in staggered locations throughout the country aim to enforce weight regulations, but they are not always successful. Where these enforcement efforts fail and noncompliance with applicable truck weight restrictions causes serious injuries, substantial legal liability attaches to those responsible.

Hazards of Overweight Semi-Trucks and Big Rigs

Overloaded and overweight big rigs pose significant hazards. Truck drivers operating with excessive loads are at increased risk of losing control of the rigs and causing traffic accidents for several reasons.

First, overweight tractor-trailers are harder to maneuver. Moreover, tires, braking systems, and suspensions are more likely to fail under the stress of loads they were not designed to accommodate. Finally, if an overloaded semi-truck makes an abrupt stop, there is a high risk of jackknifing or rolling over onto other vehicles, especially if the excessive cargo shifts while the trailer is in motion.

Overloaded Truck Accident Claims

The financial, physical, and emotional consequences of collisions involving large commercial trucks can be devastating. Injured victims may need to pursue compensation from several potentially liable parties to recover for all of their losses fully.

Liability may extend from the tractor-trailer operator to the trucking company if it negligently supervised the freight loading staff or disregarded weight regulations. Injured parties can benefit from enlisting a skilled attorney to investigate all available avenues for financial recovery.

By targeting all possible defendants, a plaintiff and their legal counsel can seek compensation for all losses associated with the overweight truck accident, including:

However, it is important to remember that injured victims have a limited time to initiate their claims for damages. The sooner one seeks legal representation in their area, the stronger their chances of success and recovery.

Consult a Lawyer on Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents

State and federal trucking laws are important to ensure motorists’ safety. When truck drivers or their employers violate weight regulations and cause severe accidents, injured victims are entitled to hold them accountable and pursue financial resources for their recovery.

If you were injured in a collision with an overly heavy tractor-trailer, Tittle & Perlmuter is here to help. Our experienced attorneys understand how to effectively represent cases involving overloaded/overweight truck accidents, and work diligently to get victims the compensation they deserve. Reach out today for a free consultation.