There are several risks posed to drivers when a truck is overweight or overloaded. If a truck is overloaded, it is likely to obstruct the vision of multiple drivers, including the truck driver and other nearby drivers. If the truck is overweight, the truck may have difficulty braking and could be more prone to jackknifing, sliding, or rolling over. It also impairs the ability of the truck driver to make quick evasive actions, potentially increasing the likelihood of a rear-end accident.
Those who have suffered an injury due to a truck failing to abide by the regulations set in place to prevent trucks from being overweight/overloaded should take legal action against the at-fault driver or the company. Doing so could lead to a substantial compensation award that could cover medical costs, property damage, and other less tangible damages such as psychological trauma.
If you wish to learn more, reach out to a Sugar Land attorney to schedule a consultation today.
Under What Circumstances Might a Truck Exceed the Maximum Weight?
There are two specific circumstances that may make a trucking company order a driver to carry loads about the allowed weight. For example, if a trucking company is behind schedule or the weather has made it impossible to make a delivery on time, trucking companies may try to combine loads that they would not otherwise. It is rare that a driver decides to overload a truck. Such decisions are usually made by the company that hired the driver.
It is less likely that a truck from Walmart, Kroger, or another big company would choose to overload a truck. This is because huge companies tend to have more controls in place to prevent a truck from being overloaded. Smaller trucking companies are far more likely to exceed the maximum weight.
Could Overweight/Overloaded Trucks Inflict Damage Upon Infrastructure?
The infrastructure of a road could suffer damage if traversed by an overloaded/overweight truck. Companies disobeying weight and cargo laws could unintentionally inflict damage to bridges and signs. It could also make it difficult for drivers behind them to see past them, potentially making other drivers vulnerable to sustaining injuries in an accident.
Determining Liability in an Overweight/Overloaded Truck Accident Case
Various parties could be found liable for accidents that occur due to overweight or overloaded trucks. Parties that could be held liable in a claim include:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Factoring companies
- Whoever the load is being hauled to
- Whoever the load is being hauled for if they specifically ask that something be taken overweight
Retaining Legal Help Following an Accident
When a victim suffers injuries due to an overloaded/overweight truck, they should immediately retain legal assistance for help with obtaining compensation. Truck companies could be held liable for violating weight and size regulations, making it possible for victims to make a substantial recovery. In addition, companies familiar with trucking and transporting cargo are well aware of the risks of operating overloaded/overweight trucks and the laws in place that prohibit such practices, making it easier for a plaintiff to identify where and where the at-fault party acted negligently.
If you wish to learn more about the claims process or have a claim worthy of compensation, contact a Sugar Land truck accident attorney today to schedule an initial consultation.