How Do Overloaded Trucks Cause Accidents?
Truck accidents cause some of the most devastating injuries on the roads. Although any act of negligence can cause an accident, overloaded trucks are one of the most common. Federal and state laws place restrictions on truck weights to try and reduce the catastrophic injuries sustained in a crash. Unfortunately, truck drivers and the companies they work for often ignore these regulations in an effort to deliver more cargo in a shorter amount of time and turn more profits. Below, our Tampa truck accident attorney outlines how overloaded trucks cause collisions.
How Do Overloaded Trucks Cause Collisions?
There are multiple ways overloaded trucks cause accidents. These include:
- Rollover accidents: When trucks are overloaded, they are at much greater risk of rolling over. Rollover truck accidents are some of the most severe. Too much cargo results in a top-heavy load and increases the truck’s center of gravity. If the truck driver turns or otherwise maneuvers the truck in a certain way and at a high speed, the truck may roll over, causing serious harm to anyone in the path of the truck.
- Tire blowouts: The tires of a truck are placed under immense pressure, particularly when a truck has been overloaded. When the pressure becomes too great, the tire may blow. Other motorists may become hurt if the blown tire hits their vehicle. Additionally, a tire blowout can cause the truck driver to lose control of their vehicle and possibly roll over.
- Spilling cargo: When cargo is not securely stored on a truck, it may fall from the truck, bed, or trailer. Cargo is most likely to spill when a truck has been overloaded. Vehicles behind the truck or to the side of the vehicle are most likely to suffer injuries caused by falling cargo.
What Injuries are Most Common After an Overloaded Truck Accident?
Overloaded trucks cause some of the most serious injuries. Anyone in the vicinity, including the truck driver, can suffer catastrophic injuries. In too many cases, these are fatal. The most common injuries caused by overloaded trucks are as follows:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal injuries
- Severe burns
- Neck injuries
- Deep lacerations
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Broken bones
- Turn muscles, ligaments, and tendons
- Wrongful death
Accident victims typically must file a claim against the liable party to claim full compensation, as these injuries often fall outside of the PIP benefit limits in Florida. When the injuries caused by overloaded trucks are fatal, loved ones can often obtain compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Our Truck Accident Attorney in Tampa Can Help You Claim Compensation
Proving that an overloaded truck caused your injuries is not easy. At Moore Law, our Tampa truck accident attorney will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of your crash and collect the necessary evidence to prove your case so you obtain the full and fair settlement you rightfully deserve. Call us now at 813-510-5400 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Source:
ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/policy/rpt_congress/truck_sw_laws/app_a.htm#fl
