Trucks that are overloaded or overweight increase the risk of a serious collision. Commercial trucking companies and their drivers are obligated to follow the federal regulations for cargo limits. They must operate within specific weight limits and follow the guidelines for loading and securing cargo safely. However, truck companies are notorious for pushing the guidelines on weight and height restrictions to satisfy delivery deadlines and save money. This, coupled with a driver who is under pressure to arrive at his or her destination on time, creates the risk of a serious truck collision.
Even though it is unlawful to drive an overweight or overloaded truck, these crashes continue to happen on Pennsylvania roads. When you or a loved one suffers serious injuries due to a negligent truck driver or their employer, you have a right to financial compensation. Our diligent tractor-trailer collision attorneys at Marcus & Mack have experience seeking compensation on behalf of those injured in overloaded/overweight truck accidents in DuBois. Contact our office to learn more about your legal rights and options.
While many truck accidents are caused by trucker negligence—such as texting while driving, drunk driving, or distracted driving—other factors can contribute to a crash. When trucks exceed the weight limit or have overloaded cargo, it is much more difficult for even experienced truck drivers to navigate and maintain control of the vehicle. Some risks associated with overloaded or overweight trucks include:
Overweight or overloaded cargo is among the leading causes of truck rollovers in DuBois. When large trucks carry too much cargo, the vehicle’s center of gravity is skewed, making it prone to roll during a collision.
Likewise, when trucks are carrying too much or are overweight, it can lead to mechanical failures like tire blowouts, brake failures, and more – as those pieces for equipment are only built to handle a normal load. Extra strain on these large vehicles puts other vehicles at risk.
Due to the weight and size of commercial trucks, these vehicles need more time to stop. When truckers do not have enough distance between other cars on the road, and the truck is heavier, it can make it more difficult to avoid a collision.
Heavy trucks can also cause strain on roads and bridges, which puts the trucker and other vehicles in harm’s way.
When trucks are not properly secured, cargo can fall off the vehicle and cause devastating injuries to nearby vehicles, especially when it occurs at a high rate of speed.
When a wreck is caused by an overloaded or overweight truck in DuBois, the trucking company can be held vicariously liable. The federal government regulates the maximum weight that commercial trucks are allowed to carry. Since commercial trucks cross state lines, they must follow both federal Department of Transportation guidelines and state laws governing load limits. Although truck drivers may be directly liable, if their employer required them to drive an improperly loaded truck, they can also be responsible. Many truck companies classify their drivers as independent contractors in an attempt to avoid liability, but our proactive lawyers can investigate the employer’s practices to determine if they share fault for your injuries.
At Marcus & Mack, our attorneys have years of experience helping those injured in collisions with heavy commercial trucks recover compensation for their injuries. When you or a loved one are involved in a truck wreck, an overweight or overloaded truck could be to blame. You should consult a local legal professional as soon as possible so they can investigate the cause of the crash and determine whether negligence played a role.
Our dedicated legal team can collect the evidence necessary to hold any negligent parties accountable for their role in overloaded/overweight truck accidents in DuBois. Call us today to schedule a free case review.
