Federal and state legislation regulates the trucking industry to promote road and highway safety. That includes the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle and cargo.
While the rules depend on the type of vehicle and number of axles, no truck can weigh over 80,000 pounds without a permit for special circumstances. You could pursue legal action if you were involved in a collision with an overloaded big rig. Speak to an experienced lawyer at the Law Office of David E. Gordon for questions and more information regarding overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Southaven.
Dangers of Overweight Tractor-Trailers
Overweight trucks present many dangers on the roadways, including:
- Trouble driving uphill
- Higher risks of rollover crashes
- Road and other infrastructure damage
- More room is needed to come to a stop
- Loss of control or speed while traveling down slopes
- Increased difficulty controlling the vehicle and increased risk of losing control
Southaven overloaded/overweight truck wrecks are usually severe and can have devastating consequences for everyone involved.
Establishing Liability
Establishing liability for an overloaded/overweight truck collision in Southaven is more complex than passenger car collisions because there could be many causes. More than one party could also be responsible for the accident, including:
The Truck Driver
Truck drivers are responsible for ensuring their trucks meet the maximum weight guidelines. They must also stop at the weigh station open to trucks along their travel route. They face penalties and civil liability if they fail to stop and accidents occur.
The Trucking Company
When trucking companies fail to ensure compliance with federal and state weight limitations, the court may also determine they share liability. While truckers must ensure they adhere to the rules and regulations, their employers are responsible for driver training and supervision.
Shippers and Loaders
If overloaded or improperly loaded cargo leads to accidents, the shippers and loaders could share responsibility for damages. Third-party companies must adhere to the loading guidelines to prevent roadway hazards.
Permit Qualifications
Commercial trucks traveling on state roads, highways, and bridges exceeding the maximum allowable weight must obtain permits. Not only are improperly loaded trucks dangerous for truckers and other motorists, but they can also damage roadways. According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, eligibility for permits requires the applicant to have:
- Federal U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) numbers and
- A Certificate of Insurance verifying they have a minimum of 500,000 in liability insurance coverage
State authorities may stop vehicles for weight and permit verification at any time while traveling. Without a valid permit, the maximum allowable weight is 80,000 pounds. Board-certified personal injury attorney David E. Gordon has extensive experience with overweight/overloaded truck crashes in Southaven and can investigate to determine compliance with the law and collect a just settlement.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Southaven Attorney After an Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accident
Improperly loaded commercial vehicles can have significant adverse effects, causing avoidable collisions and causing costly damage to infrastructure. Therefore, you must hold truckers, their employers, or other third parties legally and financially responsible when they fail to comply with laws.
Speak to a dedicated lawyer today to schedule your free consultation and review your legal options. Call the Law Office of David E. Gordon for help after overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Southaven.
