Accidents involving overloaded trucks are a significant concern on Florida's roads, often leading to catastrophic consequences such as blown-out tires, cargo spillage, and rollovers. But what can we do to avoid these accidents and stay safe on the road?
Overloaded Trucks Cause Accidents
One of the primary causes of overloaded truck accidents is the exceeding of weight limits set by state regulations. When trucks carry more weight than they are designed for, several critical issues arise, including increased braking distances, strain on tires, and instability during maneuvers.
All weight limits should be strictly enforced by both the company responsible for the cargo and the driver themselves. After all, all too often it is the truck driver who is the most seriously injured in overloaded truck accidents.
Tire Blowout Accidents
Semi-trucks with overloaded cargo are more prone to tire blowouts. The excess weight places immense pressure on the tires, leading to structural weaknesses and eventual blowouts, especially in hot weather conditions common in Florida.
Cargo Spilling From Semis
Overloaded trucks face a higher risk of cargo spillage, which poses severe hazards to other motorists on the road. Spilled cargo can cause road obstructions, trigger chain-reaction accidents, and result in injuries or fatalities.
Large cargo spills can also cause significant damage to other vehicles and anything else that may be in the vicinity. For example, a truck carrying a load of logs to a lumber mill could go through the windshield or roof of vehicles driving behind or they can roll and damage nearby buildings.
Rollover Accidents
The instability caused by overloading significantly increases the chances of rollover accidents, where the truck loses balance and tips over. These accidents often lead to extensive property damage and life-threatening injuries.
In these cases, there are often damages on both sides of the incident, with truck drivers suffering nearly as many injuries as other drivers.
Do Weigh Stations Prevent Overloading Cargo?
Weigh stations play a crucial role in preventing overloaded trucks from entering the road. By enforcing weight limits and conducting inspections, weigh stations help identify and rectify overloading issues before trucks pose a danger on highways.
However, despite these measures, some overloaded trucks manage to slip through, highlighting the need for enhanced vigilance and enforcement. Maintaining better monitoring systems could help avoid thousands of accidents every year.
Who Is Liable in an Overloaded Truck Accident?
Recovering from trucking accidents can be a painful and expensive experience. Adding the stress of worrying about how to pay for your treatment can make even the most prepared person panic. That is why it is so important that we are able to figure out who was responsible for the accident and should be held accountable for your injuries and damaged property.
If you believe you were injured due to the negligence of a semi-truck driver or owner, contact Coker Law today! Our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys is ready to fight for you in these difficult times.
Determining liability in overloaded truck accidents involves examining multiple parties, including:
- Trucking Companies: Responsible for ensuring proper loading and adhering to weight regulations
- Truck Drivers: Expected to conduct pre-trip inspections and refuse to operate overloaded vehicles
- Cargo Loading Companies: Accountable for correctly distributing and securing cargo within weight limits
- Government Agencies: Tasked with overseeing regulatory compliance and conducting inspections
- Truck Manufacturers: Expected to design and build trucks capable of safely handling designated loads
Identifying the party or parties at fault requires a thorough investigation, considering factors such as negligence, maintenance records, and compliance with industry standards. Whether your case goes to trial or is settled beforehand, proving negligence is crucial in overloaded truck accidents.
In An Accident Caused By an Overloaded Truck? Coker Law Can Help
Overloaded truck accidents pose significant dangers on Florida's roads, necessitating proactive measures, strict enforcement of regulations, and legal recourse for victims. Stay informed, stay safe, and remember that legal support is available when you need it most.
Our expertise extends to cases involving liability issues, federal regulations, and complex legal proceedings. Visit our trucking crash and liability pages to learn more about your rights and options.
If you have been involved in an accident caused by an overloaded truck, seeking legal assistance is crucial. At Coker Law Trial Lawyers, we know a thing or two about handling trucking crashes because we’ve seen a thing or two. Our experienced legal team has handled dozens of cases just like yours and can provide the guidance and representation you need to pursue compensation.
Contact us today for your free consultation!
