Chattanooga Overweight Truck Accident Lawyer
Commercial trucks face strict state and federal regulations regarding their weight. These regulations exist for a good reason. Heavy trucks not only lead to more accidents, but they could also increase the severity of a crash. If an overweight truck injured you in a crash, you are entitled to pursue compensation against the responsible operator.
Taking on a trucking company is rarely easy, especially when you face a company’s insurance providers. Insurers are keen to avoid paying out on claims and will typically work to avoid paying anything when accidents occur. A practiced injury attorney could work with you to build a winning case following an overweight truck accident.
It is understandable if you have questions regarding overweight truck regulations and how they could impact your claim. A Chattanooga overweight truck accident lawyer could consult with you about your case and advise you on how best to proceed.
Federal Weight Limits
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for regulating commercial trucks. The DOT sets weight limits for these commercial vehicles depending in part on the number of axles a truck has. For example, a single-axle truck may weigh no more than 20,000 pounds. For a larger 2-axle vehicle, the limit tops out at 34,000. In general, the DOT caps the weight of an 18-wheeler at 80,000 pounds.
There are some exceptions that allow for even larger loads, however. In limited situations, permits are available for overloaded trucks. These permits are most common when a single item that weighs more than 80,000 must move cross country. Large-scale military and industrial equipment are common examples.
Any vehicle that exceeds the weight limit without a permit could face steep fines. It is the impact these trucks could have in a crash that is likely of most interest to a Chattanooga overweight truck accident attorney.
Overweight Trucks and Injury Claims
A truck operating above the allowed weight will not inherently lead to a viable injury claim. However, if an overweight truck is involved in a crash, the injured motorist could make the case that vehicle weight was a contributing factor.
One major risk involved in an overweight truck is the difficulty of bringing the vehicle to a halt. Large trucks need plenty of road to come to a complete stop as it is. When a truck is overweight, it can take even more open road to stop completely. This could dramatically increase the chances of a truck operator rear-ending the vehicle in front of it.
An overweight truck is also more difficult to steer. Navigating turns can be a challenge, increasing the odds of a truck running off the road or entering the lane with oncoming traffic. In either case, the outcome could be catastrophic.
Overweight trucks can also increase the amount of damage caused in a crash. These trucks already outweigh passenger vehicles by a significant amount. With increased mass, an 18-wheeler could cause substantially more property damage or bodily injuries in an accident.
Speak with a Chattanooga Overweight Truck Accident Attorney
At first glance, it can be difficult to determine if the truck involved in a collision was above the federal weight limit. It may not be possible to detect with the naked eye whether or not a truck was overloaded. A careful review of the truck’s records and the accident scene could provide the evidence needed to prove that was the case, however.
A Chattanooga overweight truck accident lawyer could investigate your claim and help you hold the operator accountable. Reach out right away to set up a confidential consultation.
