Overweight and Overloaded Truck Accidents
Have you been involved in an accident caused by an overweight or overloaded truck? Trucking accidents are incredibly dangerous due to the size of the vehicle and the risk of damage and injury to the driver and other drivers on the road.
The risk of a trucking accident is increased substantially if the truck is overweight or overloaded. So while many trucking companies try to make sure that their trucks are as full as possible to be more profitable, the risk of a dangerous accident often outweighs the benefits of carrying a larger load.
Due to the danger of overloaded trucks, the Washington State Department of Transportation has special rules and regulations regarding overweight vehicles. In fact, the Department of Transportation has special permits that are required to drive a truck that is overweight.
With over 40 years of personal injury experience, the attorneys at Schauermann Thayer Injury Law specialize in trucking accidents. You can contact the office and schedule a consultation at (360) 695-4244.
Who is Responsible if a Truck is Overloaded?
When a truck is overloaded there are a few parties that may be liable. First, the truck driver has a responsibility to check the weight of the truck and make sure the load is secured prior to driving. Additionally, the trucking company, the loading company, and even the maintenance company in charge of maintaining the truck may be liable for accidents resulting from an overloaded truck.
To file a claim, the injured party needs to prove negligence on the part of the driver, trucking company, or other party involved and responsible for the accident. Schauermann Thayer Injury Law can help you establish your negligence case.
What Happens if a Truck is Overweight at a Weigh Station?
Large commercial trucks are required to stop at every Department of Transportation weigh station they pass on the road. The purpose of this requirement is to check the weight of the vehicle and assess the level of security. A driver who fails to stop at a weigh station risks losing his or her commercial driver’s license and may even face jail time.
When a truck is found to be overweight at a weigh station, it will not be allowed to leave with the full load. The driver will often be fined and then required to wait at the weigh station until another truck can arrive to lighten its load.
Who is More at Risk During a Large Truck Collision?
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, most deaths that occur after a large truck accident are drivers or passengers of the other vehicle. This is due to the fact that large commercial trucks can weigh more than 20 times as much as passenger vehicles.
Collisions between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle are significantly more dangerous than a crash between two passenger vehicles. That is why the weight restrictions on trucks are necessary. An overweight truck can cause serious damage and injuries to the other party involved in an accident.
What Happens if a Truck is Overweight at a Weigh Station?
Large commercial trucks are required to stop at every Department of Transportation weigh station they pass on the road. The purpose of each stop is to check the weight of the vehicle and assess the level of security. A driver who fails to stop at a weigh station risks losing his or her commercial driver’s license and may even face jail time.
When a truck is found to be overweight at a weigh station, it will not be allowed to leave with the full load. The driver will often be fined and then required to wait at the weigh station until another truck can arrive to lighten its load.
What are the Three Most Common Types of Collisions Involving Heavy Trucks?
While there are a number of types of accidents that can result from a collision with an overweight truck, some are more common than others. All of them can cause substantial damage and even catastrophic injuries.
The most common types of collisions involving heavy trucks are:
- Rollover accidents
- Tire blowouts
- Jackknife accidents
Causes of Overweight Truck Accidents
Overweight truck accidents tend to be caused by things such as not having enough room to come to a stop, issues with clearance under bridges and other obstacles, and the substantial weight of the vehicle.
Large trucks require a lot of road space to come to a full stop in comparison to a passenger vehicle. That stopping distance requirements increases for vehicles that are carrying heavier loads.
Truck Accident Personal Injury Lawsuits in Oregon and Washington
Overall, there are many risks associated with driving a large commercial vehicle, so driving an overweight or overloaded truck is extremely risky. Accidents with overweight trucks usually result in substantial, expensive property damage and serious injuries.
Lawsuits against large trucking companies can be expensive and time-consuming for the injured person (also known as the Plaintiff), that is why it may be important to work with a truck accident lawyer who has experience with trucking accidents. They can help build your case, properly collect evidence, and have a thorough understanding of the laws that deal with overweight and overloaded trucks.
Get Help From a Truck Accident Attorney
If you have been involved in a truck accident, reach out to a truck accident attorney who is experienced in handling your type of case. Serving Washington and Oregon, Schauermann Thayer Injury Law is a team of experienced trucking accident lawyers. Contact the office to schedule your consultation at (360) 695-4244.
