Gwinnett County Overweight Truck Accident Lawyer

To prevent undue harm, truckers and trucking companies are expected to follow the federal weight limits of commercial vehicles. Failure to do so could be grounds for a civil claim.

If you were harmed in a wreck with a truck and suspect it was caused by being overloaded, you should speak with a well-practiced attorney. A Gwinnett County overweight truck accident lawyer could review your case to determine who is liable for your injuries and hold them accountable for your losses.

Gwinnett County Truck Weight Regulations

A truck that is carrying more weight than it is allowed by law is legally overweight. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Guidelines indicate how much a truck should weigh, and many of the states have similar guidelines. In Georgia, the weight limits for trucks driving on non-interstate highways are as follows:

• 20,340 pounds for a single axle
• 40,680 pounds for a tandem axle
• 61,020 pounds for a tridem axle

All trucking companies must inspect the trucks and their loads before they leave their lot. In Peachtree Corners, if a trucking company fails to weigh the cargo to make sure it is not overweight or overloaded, a lawyer could hold them accountable for a claimant’s injuries.

Trucking companies are held accountable for the actions of their drivers. They are required to train their drivers to inspect the trucks and cargo as part of quality control safety. Most trucking companies have safety measures and safety controls in place.

Trucks carrying overweight loads are quite common as trucking companies try to get away with hauling extra cargo to increase the profit per shipment. Unfortunately, it is very common for trucking companies to have unsafe cargo, and it is difficult to regulate since there are many trucks on the road.

What are the Risks of an Overloaded Truck?

Sometimes cargo may not be overweight, but it may be bulky and could shift during transportation. Certain cargo creates its own unique set of challenges and risks when transporting. The trucking company needs to be careful:

• What they carry
• How they carry it
• How they secure it
• What combination of trucks and trailers they use to transport that cargo
• What speeds can be safely attained with this cargo
• To take safety precautions for wide loads

Each type of cargo has its own set of circumstances surrounding it. The shipper or the trucking company needs to be aware of the unique challenges associated with each load. Failure to accommodate these challenges could be grounds for an attorney to file an overweight truck accident claim.

Dangers to Other Drivers

If a truck is overweight or overloaded, it will take longer to stop. With vehicles in front of them and vehicles around them, this could create an accident if the driver is not alert. Serious injuries such as head trauma, paralysis, broken bones, major burns, scars, cuts, or even death can all occur in overweight trucking collisions.

Risks to Infrastructure

When a truck is overweight or overloaded, it is harder on the roads because it causes the roads to disintegrate more quickly and develop potholes or other defects. If the overload is too high, the truck may damage bridges or other physical structures, in addition to other motorists.

Who is Liable for Overweight Trucks Wrecks?

In the event a truck accident does occur, the trucking company responsible for the vehicle is primarily liable for an accident. A truck driver is responsible for their actions if they were not driving responsibly and following trucking laws and requirements. A lawyer in Gwinnett County could help determine whether a negligent trucker or overweight commercial vehicle is responsible for the collision.

Speak with a Gwinnett County Overweight Truck Accident Attorney Today

Trucking companies that fail to adequately train their employees or inspect truck cargo to ensure it is not overweight or overloaded could be held accountable for any accidents these mistakes cause. If you or a loved one was hurt in a wreck involving an overloaded truck, schedule a consultation to discuss your legal options. A Gwinnett County overweight truck accident lawyer could be a vital asset to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call now.