Overloaded or overweight trucks pose a significant risk to other vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, commercial truck companies are notorious for prioritizing their delivery schedule over safety guidelines. Despite state and federal restrictions on how much cargo a truck can carry, carriers push these guidelines daily, irrespective of the risk it places on the trucker and other vehicles.
When trucks are too heavy or carrying too much, the chances of accidents increase. Those injured in overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Colleyville should reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. If the truck driver or their carrier acted negligently, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and other losses related to the crash. When truckers or their employers do not adhere to laws regarding cargo, they can and should be held liable. To learn more about your rights after a truck accident or to schedule a free consultation with one of our seasoned semi-truck injury lawyers.
Common Risks of Carrying Overloaded or Overweight Cargo
Delivery drivers operate on a tight schedule. Factors like weather, traffic, and other complications can cause delays. With the pressure to meet deadlines, truckers are often incentivized to circumvent safety regulations and overload their trucks. However, an overweight 18-wheeler, combined with a driver on a tight delivery schedule, can potentially be disastrous.
When a trucker is driving an overloaded or overweight truck, they are not only put in harm’s way, but other vehicles are also put at risk. Some of the dangers associated with overloaded or overweight trucks and trailers include:
Side Impact Truck Accidents
Due to the weight and size of commercial trucks, these vehicles need more time to stop. When truckers do not have enough distance from other cars on the road and the truck is overweight, avoiding a collision can be more difficult.
Rollover Truck Accidents
Overweight or overloaded cargo is among the leading causes of truck rollovers. When large trucks carry too much cargo, the vehicle’s center of gravity is off, making it prone to roll during a collision.
Jackknife Truck Accidents
When a truck is overloaded, it can cause the trailer to swing and result in a jackknife collision.
Mechanical Failures
When semi-trucks are overweight, it can lead to mechanical failures like tire blowouts, brake failures, and more. Extra strain on these large vehicles puts other vehicles at risk.
Falling Cargo
When big rigs are not properly secured, cargo can fall off the vehicle and cause devastating injuries to nearby vehicles, especially when it occurs at a high rate of speed.
Road Collapse
Heavy trucks can cause strain on roads and bridges, which puts the trucker and other vehicles in harm’s way.
Overloaded commercial trucks pose a significant danger on the roads. It is more difficult for truckers to control or stop a vehicle that is heavy. Truck companies are obligated to closely follow state and federal laws on cargo loads to avoid accidents, and truckers should consistently check their truck’s weight and follow the proper safety protocols. A well-practiced Colleyville attorney could discuss the next steps after an overweight semi-truck crash.
For a free legal consultation, call (817) 775-5364
Liability After an Overloaded or Overweight Truck Accident
If a trucker or their carrier breaches safety guidelines and authorizes overloaded or overweight cargo loads, they can be held responsible through a personal injury lawsuit. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets restrictions on cargo loads for commercial trucks. The maximum weight a commercial truck is allowed to carry is based on the number of axles. Before a trip, the driver or loading manager is required to check the truck’s weight.
In overloaded big rig accidents in Colleyville, there can be multiple parties liable for the crash. For instance, in some situations, while the trucker may be directly at fault, the carrier can be vicariously liable. Employers are responsible for the negligent actions of their employees within the scope of their job duties. However, many trucking companies classify their drivers as independent contractors to avoid responsibility for accidents. However, a knowledgeable truck injury lawyer may still know of ways to prove the carrier is responsible.
Colleyville Overweight Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Hire a Colleyville Overloaded and Overweight Truck Accident Attorney
When truckers and carriers do not follow regulations that limit the amount they can haul, they should be held responsible for injuries caused by the crash. An attorney with experience handling overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Colleyville could help you seek justice. With the help of a committed lawyer at our firm, you could recover the cost of your medical treatment, lost income, property damage, and other related harm.
We understand that no amount of money can reverse the physical or emotional damage of a serious semi-truck accident, but our hope is that it gives you the support you need to move on from the accident. Contact our office to determine if you have a claim against the trucker or their employer. Call today to schedule a consultation.
Call (817) 775-5364 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
