Columbia Overloaded Truck Accident Lawyer
Both federal and state laws limit the amount of cargo a truck can haul. These regulations protect the safety of the public. Overloaded trucks are much harder to maneuver, which means the truck could easily crash into another vehicle out on the road, causing severe injuries. To avoid this possibility, truckers must ensure they are not overloaded whenever they begin their journey each day.
Speak with The Stanley Law Group today if you were injured in a truck accident. A Columbia overloaded truck accident lawyer can discuss what evidence we need to help bring a claim for financial compensation.
The Dangers of Overloaded Trucks
An overloaded truck is a real risk of getting into an accident. The extra freight can result in:
- Longer distances to come to a complete stop.
- Excessive speed when a truck goes down a hill.
- Greater pressure on tires, increasing the chances of a blowout.
- Cargo falling out of the back of the truck.
Any of these results could increase the risk of an accident. For example, the longer a truck takes to come to a stop, the greater the risk of a rear-end collision. Truckers can also lose control of the truck if it goes too fast down a hill.
Truck blowouts are also a problem because the truck can become unmanageable. Even a careless trucker might be unable to stop running over another vehicle.
When cargo falls from a truck, other vehicles might be directly impacted. They could also get into accidents when they swerve out of the way, crashing into each other.
Try to document your accident the best you can. For example, call the police and take pictures of the vehicles involved. If you can get out of your vehicle, then speak with any witnesses who stopped. They might have seen the trailer swaying in the moments before a collision.
How to Determine a Truck’s Weight
Very few truckers will admit they overloaded a truck. Instead, we need to uncover this information ourselves. We might look at the freight manifests and piece together how much cargo the truck had inside. We can also ask to inspect the truck, although the cargo was probably already offloaded.
Some companies have a history of overloading their trucks. We might ask for information about past violations. Trucks are regularly weighed at weigh stations, and there might be a history of violations, which serve as some evidence that the truck was overloaded when it struck you.
Reach Out to Our Law Firm after an Accident
Were you injured in a crash with a tractor-trailer or other commercial truck? Overloaded freight might be to blame. The Stanley Law Group is committed to helping people injured in accidents with other motor vehicles, and we are happy to review what you know about your case. In a consultation, you can address any fears or concerns, and we will explain the legal process in greater detail. Contact us to speak with a Columbia overloaded truck accident lawyer.
