Trucking companies have a responsibility to adhere to laws limiting the amount of weight trucks can carry. These laws exist to prevent truck accidents involving potentially dangerous overloaded trailers. An accident between a truck carrying additional weight and a smaller vehicle can be particularly catastrophic. All that additional weight often translates into more serious semi-truck accidents involving catastrophic, often fatal injuries.
In California, laws exist that limit tractor-trailer trucks to a maximum of 80,000 pounds on interstate highways. These laws were created to address a number of safety concerns. Overloaded trucks are more difficult to control than trucks under the weight limit. They require more stopping distance. Extra weight can damage important safety components, too, causing the truck to jackknife or roll over.
What makes overloaded trailers so dangerous? Some of the most common problems associated with overloaded trucks include the following:
- Takes longer to stop
- Increased downhill speed
- Is more difficult to steer
- Is harder to control around corners
- Is prone to tire blowouts
- May cause roads to collapse
- Has a higher center of gravity, increasing the risk of a rollover
Many trucking companies and truck drivers are fully aware that trucks exceed legal weight limits. Despite the risks and dangers of overloaded trucks being well-known within the industry, many companies willingly sacrifice safety for larger profits. But they’ll be the first to deny they’ve done anything wrong. That’s not fair to people dealing with significant losses through no fault of their own. With the help of an experienced truck accident attorney who knows how to take on big truck companies, you could be entitled to compensation for your accident. Contact the Law Offices of Ronald B. Laba today. We’re ready to uncover the facts necessary to prove truck driver and trucking company negligence.
