Commercial trucks are an inherently dangerous aspect of traveling on roads or highways. These vehicles are enormous, often outweighing passenger cars by a multiple of 20 or more. This size difference means people in passenger cars or riding on bicycles will almost certainly experience devastating injuries in the event of a collision. When these commercial trucks are overweight, the impact of a crash could be life-threatening.
A skilled legal professional could help anyone injured in an overloaded/overweight truck accident in Oakwood pursue fair compensation from negligent actors. Do not hesitate to speak with a truck accident attorney at Smith Hulsey Law about your potential avenues to civil recovery.
Overloaded or overweight trucks present significant dangers to their operators as well as other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians sharing the roadways. One of the major dangers associated with overloaded or overweight trucks is compromised vehicle stability. When a truck is over its weight limit, it becomes more challenging for the driver to control and maneuver the vehicle in a safe manner. Being overweight alters the truck’s center of gravity, making it more likely to tip over during turns. This instability increases the likelihood of rollover accidents.
Another factor contributing to the increased risk of accidents involving overweight trucks is extended stopping distances. An overloaded or overweight truck requires significantly more time and distance to come to a complete stop. This increased stopping distance creates a consistent risk of rear-end collisions. Additionally, it means truckers may be unable to react to a potential accident scenario in time to avoid a catastrophic outcome.
Finally, overloaded trucks have compromised structural integrity due to pressure being placed on tires, axles, and suspension systems beyond their intended limits. These mechanical failures endanger those within the truck and also create hazards for other motorists if parts detach while the truck is moving. Unfortunately, many trucking companies push for overloading their vehicles to meet tight deadlines, creating dangerous accident scenarios on Oakwood’s roads.
Determining liability for an overloaded/overweight truck crash can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. While the truck operator likely bears some liability, other entities involved in the truck’s transportation and loading processes may also be at fault.
Truck drivers and their employers have a legal obligation to ensure their vehicles remain within permissible weight limits. They must adhere to state and federal regulations regarding the weight of their vehicles, and violations of these regulations could make the driver and their employer liable for a crash. However, it is important not to overlook other parties involved in the transportation chain. Freight companies or shippers who load cargo onto the trucks are responsible for ensuring proper weight distribution and compliance with weight regulations. Negligence during this process can significantly impact a vehicle’s stability and maneuverability, increasing the risk of accidents caused by exceeding weight restrictions.
One of the most important reasons to hire legal counsel is for assistance with determining and demonstrating who was at fault. An Oakwood attorney could review the facts of an accident involving an overweight or overloaded truck to identify at-fault parties and how to hold them accountable.
Any crash involving a commercial vehicle will likely result in devastating physical injuries. This harm is even more likely to be catastrophic if the truck is overloaded. If you are living with the consequences of a reckless trucker’s actions, you have the right to pursue compensation through an injury claim. Reach out to Smith Hulsey Law about your options after an overloaded/overweight truck accident in Oakwood.
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