Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents in Allentown

Federal law limits the fully loaded weight of a truck, including the truck itself and its cargo, to 80,000 pounds, unless they receive special clearance. Those regulations serve to reduce the risk of accidents and damage, as well as keep roads safer. However, some companies may choose to overload their trucks. Not only does that increase the risk of accidents, but it may also lead to more severe injuries. Following overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Allentown, working with a dedicated lawyer could help injured individuals recover fair compensation for their losses.

Challenges of Overloaded and Overweight Trucks

Overloaded and overweight trucks can pose a number of potential problems.

• More difficulty maneuvering: The driver may have a harder time controlling the movements of the truck, including changing lanes, turning, or navigating merges.
• Increased stopping times and distance: Overloaded trucks need more room to slow down and stop, which can increase the risk of an accident in Allentown.
• Increased risk of jackknife accidents: A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer swings free of the truck, leaving it out of control. Heavy trailers have a greater risk of pulling the entire truck out of control.
• Greater risk of truck rollovers: Overloaded trailers, especially those not loaded correctly, may increase the odds that a trailer will turn over.
• More damage in accidents: Overloaded trucks may cause more severe injuries due to their greater weight.

Correctly loading a big truck, including adhering to weight restrictions, helps keep both big truck drivers and others around them on the road. Unfortunately, some companies may fail to exercise those essential safety precautions.

Liability in Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents

In order to file a claim for the damages associated with overloaded truck collisions in Allentown, the injured person will need to work with their lawyer to establish who bears liability for the incident. If the truck driver knew about the excessive load, they may bear liability for the accident. Truck drivers may also bear liability for any potentially dangerous decisions made behind the wheel. In addition, a trucking company that accepts a load that exceeds federal limits may bear liability for the error. Furthermore, a company that asks the trucking company to haul a load that exceeds 80,000 pounds may bear liability for placing the truck driver and others in danger.

Compensation for Damages in Overloaded Truck Accidents

Overweight semi-truck crashes in Allentown often lead to extreme injuries. As a result, injured people may need to file claims that include substantial compensation for their losses. Those claims often start with the victim’s medical bills: the cost of emergency medical care and any ongoing treatment needs related to their injuries. Next, a lawyer will help their client calculate the wages they missed out on because of their injuries. Finally, most claims include compensation for the victim’s non-financial losses, often classified as pain and suffering.

Contact an Attorney Following Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents in Allentown

Overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Allentown frequently lead to a complex investigation process as your lawyer strives to identify all parties that share liability for the incident, including everyone who had a hand in putting an overloaded or overweight truck on the road. A lawyer can help you assess liability for the incident and pursue compensation for your losses. Contact Solaff & Zervanos today to schedule a free consultation that will help you understand your options for compensation.