When trucking companies do not follow national and local safety rules regulating the weight of large commercial vehicles, everyone on the road is put at risk.
Improper load distribution can lead to instability, and uneven or poorly secured cargo can shift during transit, throwing the vehicle off balance. However, strict federal and state regulations exist regarding the maximum allowable weight for commercial trucks. Violating these limits is illegal and can result in hefty fines and penalties.
If you have been injured in a collision with a tractor-trailer, Whetstone Perkins & Fulda’s hardworking truck crash attorneys could review your situation and help you file a claim. Our legal team has vast knowledge of local laws regarding overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Kingstree that may be vital to your case.
Why Heavy Loads Can Cause Truck Wrecks
Manufacturers produce trucks with a specific amount of weight in mind for it to bear. A large tractor-trailer carrying more weight than it can handle needs a longer stretch of road to come to a complete stop. Otherwise, it will not be able to slow down in time and can run into other vehicles.
A heavier truck will also travel faster when going downhill, making it more difficult to stop. When there is too much pressure on the brakes, they can fail. Additionally, tires can burst under huge weights, and trucks that are too heavy for specific roads can cause them to crack, collapse, and fail.
Determining Cargo Weight Limits
The maximum weight for a commercial vehicle is defined based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This is determined according to its braking system, axle and frame design, powertrain, and suspension. Larger vehicles have a higher center of gravity, thus being more likely to roll if the tires hit road debris, bumps, potholes, or a curb.
Weigh stations nationwide seek to enforce regulations, but they are not always effective. When these regulatory efforts fail, noncompliance with applicable truck weight restrictions causes serious injuries. With the help of a Kingstree lawyer, individuals in overloaded or overweight truck accidents could hold the responsible parties legally accountable.
Types of Resulting Wrecks
Many things can go wrong when a truck carries more than it can handle. Some of the most common types of resulting collisions in these situations include the following:
Jackknife Accidents
In a jackknife crash, a car with two separate parts has folded in on itself at the point of separation. An overloaded truck can cause the trailer to swing out and form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often due to sudden braking or loss of traction.
Rollover Accidents
A rollover collision occurs when a vehicle falls onto its side or roof in a crash. Depending upon the force of the wreck, it may roll over multiple times.
These crashes usually involve only one vehicle but can occur when two or more automobiles collide. The increased weight and higher center of gravity of overloaded trucks make them more susceptible to rolling over, particularly on curves or when taking evasive action.
Tire Blowouts
This is when someone’s tire pops or blows out and goes flat. Vehicles often lose control when this happens. Commercial trucks are heavy, with significant pressure on the tires. Excessive weight can cause tires to overheat and blow out, leading to loss of control and potential multi-vehicle collisions.
Wide-Turn Accidents
Large 18-wheeler trucks need extra space to attempt right turns. If they fail to turn widely enough, their rear wheels can hit the curb and cause the truck to roll over. This only worsens when the truck is too heavy or improperly loaded.
Rear-End Truck Accidents
These wrecks occur when one vehicle hits the back of another due to following too closely, speeding, distraction, inattentiveness, or brake failure. Rear-endings by big trucks can be fatal. Because overloaded trucks have longer stopping distances, they are more likely to rear-end other vehicles in sudden traffic stops.
Our dedicated Kingstree attorneys could help to identify the negligent parties in a collision with an overloaded or overweight truck and pursue damages for you.
Get Support for a Kingstree Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accident Today
There are strict federal and state regulations regarding the maximum allowable weight for commercial trucks. Violating these limits is illegal and can result in hefty fines and penalties.
If you or a loved one has experienced such a crash, a compassionate personal injury attorney could help hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact Whetstone Perkins & Fulda for help obtaining damages for an overloaded/overweight truck accident in Kingstree.
