Overloaded trucks are roadway hazards, posing a significant threat to everyone traveling on roadways. Under federal and state laws, those exceeding the maximum allowable weight are more difficult to control and more likely to experience tire blowouts. Brake failure is also more likely to happen.
When crashes occur because the trucker, their employer, or freight loading company fails to comply with the rules and regulations, those who suffer harm have the right to hold the liable parties financially responsible. Speak to an experienced injury lawyer at the Law Office of David E. Gordon for help with cases resulting from overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Cordova.
Hazards of Overloaded and Overweight Tractor-Trailers
Semi-trucks exceeding federal and state weight limitation rules pose risks to other cars traveling around them. Examples of hazards related to overloaded commercial vehicles include:
- Weight distribution problems make the tractor-trailer more challenging to control
- The additional weight increases the risk of tire blowouts
- Cargo instability
- Brake system failure
- Overloaded 18-wheelers are more likely to roll over
- Too much weight makes slowing and stopping more difficult while driving down inclines
- Increases the chances of losing steering control while navigating turns, curves, and switching lanes
Speak to a qualified lawyer for questions regarding overloaded/overweight truck collisions in Cordova.
Establishing Liability to Collect Compensation
Truckers are responsible for knowing the weight of their trucks while transporting freight throughout the country. However, other parties could be liable for damages when accidents happen because of overloaded tractor-trailers. Trucking companies, cargo owners, and those responsible for loading the vehicle could also be financially liable when people suffer harm because of failure to comply with federal and state laws.
Recoverable Damages
The court may award compensation for the following:
- Current and ongoing medical care
- Prescriptions, medical equipment and devices, and home renovations, if needed, for disabilities from the collision
- Lost salary and benefits
- Payment for earning potential if the injured person cannot return to work
- Emotional and psychological anguish and distress
- Permanent disabilities
- Pain and suffering
Personal injury laws seek to award compensation necessary to return the injured person to a similar financial situation before the crash.
Requirement to Adhere to State Regulations
Federal and state regulations strictly regulate the trucking industry to improve highway safety and prevent unnecessary wear and tear. According to the Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-7-101 rules, drivers, their employers, and the commercial trucking industry must comply with all regulations, including weight limitations, to travel within the state. State laws prohibit the operation of heavy commercial vehicles exceeding the maximum weight rules and regulations because they are likely to damage streets, highways, and bridges.
Therefore, those failing to comply with the statute will face penalties, including steep fines and the loss of the ability to travel within the state. David E. Gordon is a board-certified attorney who can help recover compensation after Cordova overloaded/overweight truck crashes.
Speak to a Cordova Attorney About Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents
Any party involved with the trucking industry that carelessly or purposely fails to adhere to federal and state regulations is subject to penalties and civil liability. Maximum allowable weight statutes increase highway safety and protect roadways and other structures.
You have the right to hold the negligent party financially accountable if their thoughtless actions cause you harm. Schedule a free consultation with a board-certified lawyer for help with claims resulting from overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Cordova. Get in touch with the Law Office of David E. Gordon today for more information.