Overweight/Overloaded Truck Accidents in Denton

Trucking companies are required to follow the federal weight limits in order to keep the vehicle operators and others safe from harm. Unfortunately, overweight/overloaded truck accidents in Denton are not uncommon and can result in devastating damages.

If you were injured in a collision with an overweight or overloaded truck, you could benefit from legal guidance. A compassionate injury attorney could review your case and help you gather evidence to prove the truck was violating the weight guidelines.

What is the Federally Regulated Maximum Weight that Trucks Must be Under?

Generally, the federal gross weight limit for a commercial motor vehicle is 80,000 pounds. However, there are also maximum weight requirements based on whether it is a single or tandem axle. A single axle has a maximum weight of 20,000 pounds, whereas a tandem axle has a maximum weight of 34,000 pounds. Trucking companies often have a weight station where they can weigh each axle to ensure the vehicle is an appropriate weight before leaving the yard.

Overweight Versus Overloaded Cargo

It is important to understand that not all cargo is created equally. Some cargo, such as iron or lead, is much denser than other cargo, such as plastic containers. In the same vein, sometimes a truck may meet the required weight limits but be overloaded with lighter cargo.

This can result in instances where the cargo is stacked too high and can become a danger when passing under bridges. In other cases, the cargo could be too wide, becoming a hazard to other vehicles on the road. Therefore, a truck driver or cargo loader in Denton could still be held liable for any damages that resulted from their overloaded vehicle, even if it meets the required weight limits.

Risks Associated with Overweight/Overloaded Commercial Vehicles

When a semi-truck is overweight, it is harder for the brakes to stop the vehicle in the way they were intended. As a result, they cannot slow or stop the vehicle as readily. This endangers others on the road if truck drivers are unable to effectively maneuver their vehicle in the event of an emergency.

Additionally, if a big rig is overweight, it can cause other mechanics of the truck to fail, such as the axle. If the axle fails, it can cause the truck to jackknife and cover multiple lanes of traffic, causing devastating injuries to everyone involved.

If the vehicle is overloaded, or improperly loaded, it can cause the cargo to shift during turns which can result in the semi-truck overturning. Rollover accidents are some of the deadliest motor vehicle wrecks that can occur, especially when they involve commercial trucks.

People involved in collisions with overweight or overloaded big rigs in the area can suffer catastrophic harm, including:

Since the losses involved in overweight/overloaded truck wrecks in Denton can be severe, the recoverable damages could be substantial as well.

Call a Denton Attorney After an Overweight/Overloaded Truck Accident

While any wreck involving a large tractor-trailer can result in devastating losses, overweight/overloaded truck accidents in Denton can be especially tragic. When a vehicle is overloaded or overweight, it can cause damage to the vehicle itself, the roadway, and anyone involved in the collision.

If you or a loved one were injured in a wreck with an overweight or overloaded semi-truck, call our firm right away. Your initial consultation is always free.