West Palm Beach Overloaded Truck Accident Attorney
Federal and state regulations limit the amount of cargo a truck can carry. These limits are designed to improve the safety of the trucking industry. When a tractor-trailer or other truck is overloaded, the vehicle becomes unmanageable and prone to accidents. The risk of a crash increases. Call Pike & Lustig today to talk about your truck accident. Excessive cargo might be to blame, as our West Palm Beach overloaded truck accident attorney discusses in greater detail.
The Dangers of Carrying Too Much Weight
There are several reasons why a truck should not carry excessive cargo:
- Increased risk of a tire blowout. Tires are put under incredible stress on long hauls, and too much weight can push a tire to the breaking point. When a tire blows on a big rig, then the vehicle can go completely out of control.
- Reduced braking. Excess weight increases strain on the brakes, which means a truck might not stop in time. Instead, the vehicle might ride over any vehicle caught in its path.
- Decreased control. The heavier the truck, the less control the driver has over it. Jackknife and rollover accidents might result.
- Increased risk of mechanical failure. Excessive weight puts strains on the suspension and steering systems, which might fail in the middle of a trip.
- More time needed to stop. A heavier truck requires more distance to come to a stop. The trucker might misjudge when they need to apply the brakes, leading to a rear-end collision. In a construction zone, any rear-end accident could set off a chain reaction.
- Risk of a cargo spill. More cargo can be harder to properly secure, causing the cargo to shift and possibly spill out of the vehicle and onto the road.
An investigation might be necessary to uncover if the truck was overloaded. The trucking company probably will fight any request to turn over records. Our attorneys might need to step in and make a request to produce relevant documents.
Some evidence includes any freight manifests or records, as well as testimony from the trucker. Trucking companies have an incentive to overload their vehicles, especially in this economic climate where there is a freight recession. Unfortunately, other motorists on the road are suffering the consequences.
Contact Our West Palm Beach Overloaded Truck Accident Attorneys Today
Heavier trucks not only get into more accidents, but they tend to cause more serious injuries. Someone struck by a heavy truck can suffer amputation, crush injuries, and paralysis. Fractures and chest injuries are also possible. These injuries require extended rest and possibly rehabilitation. The costs of medical treatment can easily surpass five figures. Accident victims get one chance to obtain a fair settlement to cover as much of their economic losses as possible.
Reach out to Pike & Lustig to discuss whether you can bring an accident claim. We have won millions in settlements for people hurt in the full range of truck accidents. A West Palm Beach overloaded truck accident attorney can begin sifting through the evidence to determine what caused the accident. Call to schedule a free consultation.
