The weight of commercial vehicles is regulated carefully to prevent an accident from occurring. While these large trucks are inherently dangerous, the risk of an accident and severe injuries increases dramatically when a tractor-trailer weighs more than the legal limit.
If you or a loved one were severely injured in an accident due to an overweight truck, you have the right to seek compensation with the help of a seasoned truck crash lawyer. The guidance of a Grand Prairie overweight truck accident lawyer could prove invaluable in your pursuit of financial compensation.
What Is the Maximum Weight For Commercial Trucks in Grand Prairie?
Federal law limits the overall weight of a fully-loaded commercial truck. For 18-wheelers, the maximum weight allowed is 80,000 pounds. This is roughly 20 times the size of an average motor vehicle.
There are other weight limits that apply, however. Commercial trucks with a single axle can carry no more than 20,000 pounds, while tandem axles can hold up to 34,000 pounds. While the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has its own regulations on truck weight, they mirror those established by federal law. When a truck violates these weight requirements, a skilled Grand Prairie attorney could hold the owner or operator accountable by filing a civil lawsuit.
For a free legal consultation, call (817) 775-5364
What Are The Dangers of Overweight Trucks?
Overloaded trucks are often unstable and routinely involve shifting cargo within the trailer. When cargo shifts, it can result in a trailer that is top-heavy or overloaded on one side. These vehicles are far more likely to and roll, leading to a devastating crash.
Even when overweight trucks are not unbalanced, they can represent other types of dangers on the road. The heavier a truck is, the more difficult it is to maneuver, and the longer it will take to come to a complete stop. The inability to stop on time can lead to countless rear-end collisions with unsuspecting drivers. If you have been injured in one of these crashes, an experienced Grand Prairie overweight truck crash attorney might be able to help.
Grand Prairie Overweight Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Common Types of Recoverable Damages
In an overweight truck crash, injured victims often suffer catastrophic injuries and damages. The cost of necessary medical treatment can be extensive especially if the crash resulted in permanent injuries. However, these are not the only costs associated with an overweight truck crash. Some of the most common damages available in an overweight truck accident include:
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
An experienced attorney could calculate the injured victim’s losses and help them recover compensation that covers the full value of their damages.
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Seek Help from a Grand Prairie Overweight Truck Accident Attorney
Immediately following a big rig crash, it is imperative to retain the services of a skilled attorney. A Grand Prairie overweight truck accident lawyer could help you compile the evidence you will need at trial. An attorney could conduct an independent investigation and review the facts surrounding the crash, including crash reports and witness statements. They could also review the truck logs to determine if the truck operator was concealing the true weight of their vehicle.
To learn more about how an attorney could help, call today to schedule a consultation.
Call (817) 775-5364 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
