Strong Representation When Truck Overloads Cause Injury And Death

Trucking companies often push the limits of how much cargo they transport. Additional deliveries and more trucks cost money. But safety must always come first. Trucks with too much cargo can be more difficult to control, causing deadly and catastrophic accidents. If cargo spills, it can cause multivehicle crashes. That is why the U.S. Department of Transportation has rules and regulations governing truckload weights, sizes and other factors.

At Crandall & Pera Law, our legal team understands the federal and state laws that all drivers and truck companies must meet. We know how to uncover whether a truck was in compliance with the appropriate laws. We work to determine the exact cause of the accident and what should have been done to prevent it. Our lawyers have obtained numerous million-dollar jury verdicts and large settlements for injured drivers and passengers.

We hold wrongdoers accountable. We can help you.

The Federal Rules On Truck Overloads

We keep current with the federal and state laws that govern commercial truck overloads. Violations of these rules can be used to help prove the driver or trucking company was negligent. Flagrant violations can be used as the basis for a punitive damage claim. Some of the relevant laws on excessive truckloads are:

• Trucks cannot weigh more than 80,000 pounds
• There is a 20,000-pound single axle weight limit
• There is a 32,000-pound tandem axle weight limit
• Axle spacing must meet a complicated formula

Why Truck Overloads Are So Dangerous

Trucks with excessive loads can increase the likelihood of an accident for a variety of reasons. Some of the common reasons truck overloads cause accidents include:

• They make it more difficult for the driver to stop the truck
• They make it more difficult for the driver to turn appropriately
• They increase the force in any negligent accident caused by the truck
• They make it more likely that the truck will go faster downhill
• They put pressure on the tires, increasing the likelihood of a blowout
• Overloaded trucks alter the truck’s center of gravity, making a rollover more likely

Even if the truck meets the legal standards, the overload may still show a lack of reasonable care on the part of the trucking company or driver because:

• If there is too much weight on the back axles, the front of the truck may lose contact with the road
• The overload may not be properly secured. This can cause the load to shift while driving, causing the driver to lose control
• Overloads, especially if they are unsecured, are more likely to spill cargo onto the roadways, creating havoc for everyone around

Contact An Experienced Lawyer Today

We work with professionals in a variety of disciplines to determine the exact cause of the truck accident. Our lawyers study all the police and investigative reports. Our firm works with your medical team to understand your diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Crandall & Pera Law has offices in Chagrin Falls, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Chesterland and across Ohio. Call us at 855-444-6651 for a free consultation. You can also request an appointment by filling out our contact form.