Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents in New Braunfels
When tractor trailers are overloaded or overweight, it can put other motorists at risk because truckers have less control over the vehicle during a crash. Despite federal regulations that dictate how much cargo a big rig can carry at a time, trucking companies are known to push these numbers to maximize their potential profits by reducing the number of trips their drivers have to make.
When a truck is overloaded or overweight, the chance of an accident increases significantly. In fact, truckers and their employers can be held liable for their actions if it arises due to negligence. If you were injured in an overloaded/overweight truck accident in New Braunfels, a skilled attorney can work with you to determine if the driver or their employer acted negligently by overloading the trailer.
Truck Accidents Caused by Overloaded Cargo
Texas’ economy relies heavily on the trucking industry; however, truck drivers are under a lot of pressure to deliver their cargo on time. Factors like weather, traffic, and other complications can cause significant delays. In order to save time, trucking companies may encourage truckers to carry more cargo than they are legally allowed. An overweight truck combined with a driver on a tight delivery schedule could potentially be disastrous for other vehicles on the road. Some risks of overweight trucks and trailers include:
- Side impact truck accidents
- Rollover truck accidents
- Jackknife truck accidents
- Mechanical failure
- Falling cargo
- Road collapse
Truck companies and their drivers are obligated to follow state and federal laws on cargo loads and to exercise great care to avoid a collision. Specifically, truckers should check their truck’s weight and follow the proper safety protocol. Likewise, their employer should have measures in place to ensure the cargo follows regulations. If you were injured in a tractor-trailer accident in New Braunfels, overloaded or overweight cargo could have been a factor.
Recoverable Damages After an Overweight Truck Collision
To recover compensation after a truck accident, a person must prove negligence. When the accident in New Braunfels involves overloaded or overweight trucks, it might mean proving the driver or their employer did not follow the cargo restrictions. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets restrictions on cargo loads for commercial trucks. The maximum weight a commercial truck is allowed to carry is based on the number of axles. Before a trip, the driver or loading manager is required to check the truck’s weight. Failure to properly check the truck’s weight could expose the trucker and their employer to legal liability if they acted negligently. Similarly, if the company encourages breaking these guidelines, they could be responsible for any resulting accidents.
When a truck company prioritizes its cargo load over the safety of other vehicles, it can and should be held responsible. A successful settlement or lawsuit could cover the cost of medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. An attorney can further explain what types of compensation are available based on the unique factors of a case.
A New Braunfels Attorney Can Help With an Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accident Claim
If you were injured in an accident due to an overloaded truck, reach out to a lawyer. When truckers and carriers do not follow regulations that limit the amount they can haul, they are responsible for injuries caused by the crash. With the help of an attorney, you can recover the cost of your past and future medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and other related damages.
We understand that no amount of money can reverse the physical or emotional damage of a serious accident or injury, but our hope is that it gives you the means to move forward. There is no reason you should be left to pay for your injuries if the trucker or their employer acted negligently. Contact our office for a free case evaluation to determine if you have a claim after an overloaded/overweight truck accident in New Braunfels.
