Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents in Gainesville

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Unfortunately, many truck drivers or their parent companies refuse to follow federal and state regulations concerning maximum truck weights. They will try to transport more cargo in fewer trips to increase profits. Not only is this illegal from a traffic law standpoint, but it places other travelers at an increased risk of serious harm.

Commercial vehicles, especially tractor-trailers, already weigh much more than typical passenger cars. Because the weight of these vehicles makes them slow to react in cases of an emergency, it is possible for devastating collisions to occur. Matters only become more dangerous when a commercial vehicle is overloaded or overweight.

If you were harmed in an overloaded/overweight truck accident in Gainesville, a dedicated attorney from our firm is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. At Smith Hulsey, we understand that pursuing legal action against a trucking corporation may seem intimidating, but our experienced legal professionals are here to guide you from start to finish of your proceedings. Contact our firm today to speak with a truck accident attorney who knows exactly what to do and how to help.

What Does it Mean for a Truck to be Overweight?

A vehicle’s maximum allowable weight is not something many people need to consider when on the road. In fact, none of these laws apply to passenger vehicles. However, commercial drivers and their employers must remain aware of these laws and how they affect responsible trucking.

One significant set of laws that controls maximum vehicle weight is those that govern highway travel. Under the rules of the U.S. Department of Transportation, a single-axle vehicle on an interstate highway can weigh no more than 20,000 pounds. This limit rises to 34,000 pounds for tandem axle vehicles. In addition, the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 32-6-26 states that the maximum weight for any vehicle is 80,000 pounds—but for the most common forms of commercial trucks, tandem axle semi-trailers, the limit is 40,680 pounds.

Local laws may create maximum vehicle weights on smaller roads and streets. An attorney from our firm could help to investigate the weight of the commercial vehicle involved in an overloaded/overweight truck accident in Gainesville.

Demanding Appropriate Compensation Following an Accident

Overweight and overloaded truck collisions can result in life-threatening physical injuries, significant financial losses, and intense emotional trauma. It is essential for any plaintiff in an overweight truck accident case to take the necessary steps to measure their losses and demand appropriate payments.

All truck accident cases will center around a physical injury. Common examples of these injuries include:

Injuries of this nature can also result in significant financial losses. If a plaintiff misses time at work to seek medical attention, or is unable to work because of a permanent injury, the defendant could also be liable to provide reimbursement for all lost earnings.

Finally, it is impossible to understate the potentially crippling emotional aspect of these claims. Being involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle is a traumatic experience, and many plaintiffs suffer from flashbacks, anxiety, or PTSD. Following an overloaded/overweight truck accident in Gainesville, a skilled attorney from Smith Hulsey could work to measure the extent of a plaintiff’s losses and create a comprehensive demand package for compensation.

Discuss Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents in Gainesville with an Attorney

Overloaded and overweight commercial vehicles are a threat to the well-being of all people on the road. Whether these roads are on the interstate highway system or are local streets, laws control how heavy these vehicles are allowed to be. A trucker who ignores these regulations not only violates Gainesville traffic law, but may be deemed negligent in the event of a crash with another vehicle.

Still, injured parties must be sure to act swiftly. State law gives you a short time after an accident to seek out compensation. A lawyer from our firm could help you pursue proper payments after overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Gainesville. This includes taking the necessary steps to build a powerful case against negligent truckers within the relevant time limits. Contact Smith Hulsey today to schedule a meeting.

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