Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents in Columbus

Commercial trucks are large and heavy, even when they are not loaded down with cargo. If a truck has been overloaded, it becomes a serious danger to the other vehicles on the highway. Overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Columbus could happen when a truck becomes unbalanced and tips over, needs to stop quickly and cannot because of the extra weight, or has a tire blowout due to increased weight.

If you have been injured in an accident involving an overweight truck, talk to an experienced semi-truck crash attorney who could guide you through a lawsuit step by step.

Regulations on Truck Loading

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has many regulations for truck drivers to follow, including regulations concerning the weight of the cargo. These rules are designed to make trucks safer, decreasing the number of accidents on the road. However, truckers and trucking companies sometimes feel like the regulations get in the way of their own bottom line. They may try to overload a truck, so they can make more money.

The weight of commercial trucks is regulated at truck weigh stations, but there may still be ways for truckers to get away with overloading a truck. If this causes an accident in Columbus, a lawyer could get involved, determining who is at-fault for the overweight truck accident.

Dangers of Overloading a Truck

An overloaded or overweight truck could create accidents in Columbus due to the following problems:

Jackknifing
Unbalanced load
More time required to stop the truck
Too much pressure on tires, causing blowouts
Cargo breaks the restraints that are holding it in
Too much strain on the truck’s engine and breaks
Bridges and overpasses could collapse from extra weight

Any of these problems could cause serious injuries to others who are nearby.

Who is Responsible for an Overloaded Truck?

Liability in an overloaded truck accident case in Columbus typically falls on the truck driver, the trucking company, or the cargo loader. The trucking company is responsible for training its employees to follow weight regulations, and it is responsible for making sure the regulations are being followed. However, there are instances when the truck driver acts negligently, failing to report known problems with the weight of the truck. In other cases, a cargo loader may have been distracted or intoxicated while loading the truck, unknowingly adding more weight than allowed.

Recovering Damages in an Overweight Truck Accident Case

Becoming injured after an overweight truck causes an accident in Columbus could lead to extensive damages, including:

Medical expenses related to the accident
Ongoing medical care related to the accident
Lost wages and the inability to earn wages in the future
Repair or replacement costs of a damaged vehicle
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement
Permanent disability

The trucking company’s insurance company will likely try to downplay the amount of damages in an effort to reduce the amount of compensation they need to pay out. This is why it is best to leave all negotiations with an experienced lawyer who knows how to deal with insurance companies.

Talk to a Columbus Attorney Regarding an Overloaded/Overweight Trucking Accident

Overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Columbus can be catastrophic, but that does not mean you must give up hope. Turn to the experienced team at Bence Law Firm. We could help you regain financial stability through a personal injury lawsuit.