Overloaded Commercial Trucks
Discuss Your Legal Options with Our Columbus Truck Accident Lawyers
One of the most common causes of truck accidents is overloaded and improperly loaded cargo. Despite the weight limits set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truckers and trucking companies continue to overload their vehicles to meet deadlines faster and save money.
If you suffered a serious injury in a collision caused by an overloaded or improperly loaded truck, Rourke & Blumenthal is ready to help you pursue your entitled compensation. With more than 150 years of collective experience, our Columbus truck accident lawyers have a comprehensive understanding of state and federal trucking laws to guide you through the complexities of your case.
Dangers of Overloaded & Improperly Loaded Trucks
According to FMCSA regulations, the maximum legal weight limit of a commercial truck is a total of 80,000 pounds—20,000 pounds per axle. Studies have shown that a fully loaded 80,000-pound truck is twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared to a truck weighing only 50,000 pounds.
The following are common hazards associated with overloaded and improperly loaded trucks:
- They take longer to stop.
- They are difficult to maneuver.
- They are more susceptible to rollovers.
- The added weight can increase tire pressure, resulting in a tire blowout.
Many people assume commercial truck drivers are carrying large loads, but few know that there are actually federal regulations that make sure their load is of a safe weight and is properly anchored. If overloading was the cause of your injury, it's likely that the driver or company tried to cut corners with their shipment. If this is the case, it can easily be discovered and used against them in the process of retaining the compensation you deserve.
How to Tell if a Truck Is Overloaded
As a driver on the road, spotting an overloaded truck can be critical to ensuring your safety. Here are some indicators to look out for:
- Sagging Rear End: If the rear of the truck is significantly lower than the front, it may be carrying more weight than it's designed for.
- Bulging or Overinflated Tires: Excess weight can cause the truck's tires to appear unusually swollen or stretched.
- Excessive Flexing of the Frame: An overloaded truck's frame might visibly bend or flex more than usual, especially when navigating turns or uneven surfaces.
- Slow Acceleration and Struggling Uphills: Overloaded trucks often take longer to accelerate and may struggle noticeably when climbing hills.
- Difficulty Controlling the Vehicle: If the truck is swaying or weaving within its lane, the driver might be having trouble maintaining control because of the excess weight.
How Our Attorneys Can Hold Negligent Trucking Companies Liable
When seeking compensation for injuries resulting from an overloaded truck accident, our attorneys at Rourke & Blumenthal utilize several methods to establish liability:
- Examination of Trucking Logs and Records: We scrutinize the truck's load records, maintenance logs, and driver logs to uncover any discrepancies or violations.
- Inspection of Crash Scene: Our team conducts a thorough investigation of the accident scene, looking for evidence such as tire marks, debris patterns, and the weight distribution of the cargo.
- Expert Testimony: We collaborate with accident reconstruction experts and trucking industry professionals who can testify about the dangers of overloading and how it may have contributed to the crash.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) Data Analysis: By examining data from the truck's ELDs, we can determine inconsistencies in weight measurements and driving behavior, providing a clear picture of negligence.
- Review of Federal and State Compliance: We check on whether the trucking company adhered to FMCSA regulations and state-specific laws. Any deviation can be pivotal in proving liability.
By leveraging these methods, our Columbus truck accident lawyers build a compelling case to secure the compensation you deserve, holding negligent trucking companies accountable for the damages caused by their overloaded trucks.
Let Us Start Your Case Today!
With over $300 million recovered in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients, we understand what it takes to obtain the most favorable results possible. When it comes to the wellbeing of our clients, we never back down from a fight.
Contact us and request a free consultation with our truck accident lawyers in Columbus.
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