Overloaded Trucks

Causes of Truck Accidents

Overloaded trucks pose a serious risk to motorists. When a truck is overloaded, it has more momentum, making it harder to stop and more susceptible to a loss of control when swerving to avoid an accident. Overloading can also cause other problems, such as inability to steer and brake failure.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, our New York truck accident attorneys can investigate your claim to determine whether an excessive load led to your crash. To receive a free evaluation of your claim, fill out the form on the right to speak with a tractor trailer accident attorney in New York.

Trucking Laws: Excessive Loads

To prevent accidents caused by excessive loads, federal trucking laws regulate the following:

• The weight of a truck
• The weight of a truck’s load
• The combined weight of a tractor trailer and its load
• The weight on the tires
• The weight on each axle
• Distribution of weight

Commercial vehicles are subject to weight limits when travelling upon certain roads, bridges and overpasses to prevent gradual road damage or immediate collapse. Weigh stations are often positioned along highways, state lines and at checkpoints where trucks are inspected and weighed. Weigh station employees will check for overweight trucks, illegal or falsely reported loads and compliance with hours of service regulations. Discovering an overloaded truck does not necessarily mean the vehicle will be taken off the road. In some instances, the driver will be given a ticket and allowed to continue on their trip. On the other hand, some drivers will be detained until a permit for an excessive load is issued.

Overloaded Trucks & New York Tractor Trailer Accidents

Overloaded trucks pose a danger to motorists and can cause tractor trailer accidents in ways that may not be readily apparent. For instance, if a truck is loaded to an excess, unnecessary pressure will be placed on the tires, which can burst as a result. Additionally, overloaded trucks travel uphill at a very slow pace and present a hazard to approaching cars on blind corners. Conversely, heavy trucks traveling downhill will gain momentum and may have difficulty stopping in time to prevent an accident. Overloaded trucks also pose a danger to motorists as they are more susceptible to rollovers and may become difficult to steer.

Liability for Overloaded Trucks

Generally, truck drivers are required to inspect their loads to ensure they do not exceed the maximum permissible weight. Additionally, they are responsible for making sure the load is properly secured and evenly distributed. While truck drivers are ultimately responsible for an overloaded truck, other parties may share the blame. Trucking companies and truck loading companies can be held accountable when an overloaded truck causes injury or death to another motorist. Likewise, a government entity can be held liable for a New York truck accident when a weigh station official allows an overweight truck to continue travel.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a tractor trailer accident, it’s important to contact a New York truck accident lawyer who can represent your claim and protect your legal rights. Truck accident cases are typically more complex than those only involving passenger vehicles. Special rules and regulations, such as weight limits, apply in the trucking industry, and the damage caused by tractor trailer accidents can be particularly devastating. Our tractor trailer accident lawyers in New York have had previous success recovering compensation for truck accident victims and have the compassion and experience to handle your case. To speak with our New York truck accident attorneys, fill out our free case review form by clicking the link below.