San Antonio Overweight Truck Accident Lawyer

An overweight truck is one that exceeds the overall gross weight of 80,000 pounds. It is extremely dangerous when the trucks are overweight because it takes longer for the vehicle to stop, and it makes it more difficult to control. Following a collision with an overloaded tractor-trailer, it is best to seek help from a knowledgeable truck accident attorney. A seasoned overweight truck accident lawyer can investigate the cause of your collision and help you seek compensation for all of your damages.

What Is The Federally Regulated Maximum Weight That Trucks Must Be Under?

The federal law controls the maximum gross vehicle weights, and axle loads on trucks that are in the interstate system, and the Texas law mostly follows the federal law. The limits for gross vehicle weight are 80,000 pounds, which would include the tractor-trailer and the cargo that is on board. Additionally, there are also axle weight limits, so 20,000 pounds on a single axle and 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle group.

Danger Of An Overloaded Tractor-Trailer

The risks that are posed to other drivers when a truck is overweight or overloaded is that it takes the truck longer to stop, which can cause a collision. Additionally, tires are susceptible to blowing out if there is too much weight over one of the axle groups, and it is over the weight limits. Another risk factor is if trucks are operating over the weight limit, they are at a higher risk of rolling over.

Risks To Infrastructure When Truck Is Overweight Or Overloaded

When a truck is overweight or overloaded, it just puts additional stress on bridges, and there are going to be certain capacities that bridges can hold. It is going to cause damage to the roadways, can contribute to potholes or sinking areas in the roadway, which is something that often occurs in the San Antonio area on the roadways, especially over the summer.

When it is hot, and the road is very hot, and trucks are carrying too much weight and go over the road, it will sink down and creates little craters in the roadway, which over time may develop into potholes.

What Are The Common Types of Injuries That Can Be Sustained in a Crash?

The types of injuries that can occur in an overloaded truck accident are typical of injury sustained in all trucking accidents. The injuries are often very severe due to the weight involved of the truck and the trailer and the cargo that it is carrying.

It is common to see people with very substantial herniated disks in their spine, broken bones such as broken legs or hips, broken arms. In addition to that, if there the overweight cargo causes the truck to roll over onto another vehicle, there can be crush type injuries from the top of the vehicle.

It is also not unusual to see people that sustained concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) due to the forces involved in these types of collisions. Also, internal bleeding or abdominal injuries can occur.

Who Can Be Held Liable For Damages?

The truck driver has a responsibility to make sure that the truck and the trailer are not running overweight or overloaded on particular axles. The trucking company can be found liable either through its own direct negligence in contributing to the truck running overweight or overloaded. Also, the trucking company can be held liable for the conduct of the truck driver. Additionally, those who assisted in loading the cargo and overloading the trailer can be held liable for damages. A local overloaded truck accident attorney can collect evidence to determine which parties may be held liable for damages.

Let An Overweight Truck Accident Attorney Help

If you or a loved one were severely injured in a collision due to an overloaded and overweight tractor-trailer, you should retain the services of an experienced attorney in your community. A knowledgeable San Antonio overweight truck accident lawyer can help prove your case and help you get the compensation you need. Schedule a consultation today.