Large commercial transportation vehicles are specially designed to survive numerous hours on the road and long distances, all while carrying heavy cargo, but even the best models can only handle so much. Pushing an 18-wheeler beyond its limitations can put a strain on its parts and increase the likelihood of a crash. Unfortunately, some trucking companies choose to ignore these limits, putting other drivers in danger.
At Jan Dils Attorneys at Law, the largest female-founded law firm in the United States, our team can handle such overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Charleston, WV, and we can help you seek financial compensation from those responsible. Any kind of collision with a large semi-trailer can result in serious injuries to everyone involved, but the extra weight from the cargo can be catastrophic.
In general, a truck’s carrying capacity is calculated by the number of axles on the vehicle. These actually serve a couple of important functions during the truck’s operation. First, they transfer power from the engine and make the wheels turn so the truck can move; and second, they distribute the weight over a larger area, so the load is balanced while in transit.
Every commercial truck has its own weight specifications, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the total weight that it can safely handle, including the vehicle’s own components, the driver, any passengers, and the cargo load. However, the United States Department of Transportation sets the maximum GVWR at 80,000 pounds for driving on the interstate highways. This is often lower for certain bridges to prevent them from deteriorating.
Adhering to the GVWR is vital for Charleston highway safety because exceeding the limit can cause the truck to crash. It is harder to maintain control of a heavier vehicle, and if the cargo is unbalanced the trailer can tip and rollover when taking a turn. Additionally, the extra weight can put a strain on the axles and cause them to break off while the truck is in motion.
The federal regulations on vehicle cargo loads are meant to keep everyone on roads in Charleston safe from harm, and it is the trucking companies’ responsibility to make sure that their fleet and drivers are following the rules. Some companies, though, try to push their vehicles past their limits so they can pack more goods into the trailer.
If the truck collides with another vehicle because of the overloaded cargo, the company could be legally liable for the resulting injuries. Victims may be able to recover economic damages to cover their tangible financial losses, including medical bills, lost income if they cannot work, and the cost to either repair or replace their car. Victims may also be eligible to receive non-economic damages, which are a bit more complicated because these are the intangible costs of the emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and any lifetime complications.
Overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Charleston can have devastating consequences for victims. If you or loved one has been hit by a heavy truck, a personal injury lawyer from Jan Dils Attorneys at Law can help you file a claim.
You should not have to pay for your care if a trucking company chooses to ignore the rules. Call us at Jan Dils Attorneys at Law for a free initial case consultation with one of our attorneys.
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Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law
