A truck that exceeds the weight limits as dictated by state and federal law poses a serious risk to other motorists on Alabama roads. Weigh stations are built along highways at regular intervals so that truckers can stick to the posted limits. However, some drivers or companies in the trucking industry violate these safety regulations in order to increase their profits or productivity.
If you or your loved ones were injured in an accident with a tractor-trailer that was improperly loaded or in excess of the weight limit, you are likely facing serious injuries and property damage. Now is the time to seek quality legal advice from an experienced Alabama personal injury law firm, before time runs out. Your truck accident lawyer can help determine whether overloading contributed to your crash and whether you may be eligible to sue for damages.
At Norris Injury Lawyers, we fight for the rights of our Alabama truck accident clients. We can represent your interests against the truck drivers and the trucking industry and seek to get you the maximum compensation possible. We know that an accident involving overloaded trailers can be very traumatic, so we want to help ease your burden. Contact us today at (800) 477-7510 for a free consultation with our truck accident attorneys.
Why Overloaded Trucks Are Dangerous
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes federal regulations on truck weight and loading limits for valid safety reasons. If a tractor-trailer’s cargo is too heavy or improperly loaded, the truck may not perform the way that it should and therefore the driver has a higher risk of losing control or causing an accident.
There are some specific situations in which excess weight and improperly loaded cargo create problems for mechanical systems and cause the truck to perform dangerously, such as:
- Navigating turns and curves
- Raising the risk of tire blowouts
- Wearing out brakes
- Driving on steep grades
- Operating in inclement weather
When encountering these circumstances, even a correctly loaded truck may have difficulty operating safely. Improper loading or overloading exacerbates the problems and poses immense risk to the other drivers on the road.
If your tractor-trailer accident was caused by overloaded trailers or improperly loaded rigs operating in one of the above circumstances and over the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s limits, you may have a claim of negligence on top of the other personal injury charges to bring against the truck driver or company.
Who May Be Held Responsible for Overloaded Truck Accidents
In an average car accident, there is likely only one person who might be held responsible for causing your injuries – the other driver. However, since tractor-trailer or semi-truck accidents are commercial vehicles, there are other parties possibly involved. These vary on a case-to-case basis, and your truck accident lawyer will be able to help you determine who may be held responsible for your accident.
In general, however, the first person we look at as having partially or completely caused the accident is the truck driver. Especially if the truck was improperly loaded, the driver may have suspected the truck would not perform as it should but still went on the road despite the risk. These negligent actions can be the basis for a claim against the truck’s driver.
The second party often named in overloaded truck accident cases are the trucking companies that employed the driver, which may have made the call to overload the truck in the first place. Even if they plead ignorance, trucking companies should know the size of the loads on their rigs.
The third party that may be at fault is the company or person who maintained the vehicle. If mechanical failure or a faulty part contributed to the accident, the person responsible for maintaining the truck may be found at fault. And finally, if the truck owner is neither the driver nor the trucking company, the owner may have a place in your personal injury lawsuit as well. Whoever had a part in allowing overloaded trucks or an improperly loaded tractor-trailer to hit the road may be found negligent.
Truck accidents are generally much more complex than the average car accident. You don’t have to figure out these details on your own – neither should you let the insurance company erroneously claim that you are partly to blame.
Finding a qualified truck injury lawyer to help you can make all the difference in your case. Norris Injury Lawyers are here for you after all kinds of trucking accidents. We welcome your call around the clock, any day of the week.
What to Do After an Accident with an Overloaded Truck in Alabama
In the aftermath of truck accidents in Alabama, we know you may be overwhelmed with staggering medical bills, lost time from work, and insurance paperwork. Whether you suffered whiplash, other spinal cord injuries, or worse, it’s important that you give yourself the best chance of recovery from your accident. We know that you want to get back to normal as soon as possible, but don’t let the insurance company push you to sign documents that have not been properly vetted by a personal injury lawyer.
What you do after your accident can make a big difference in the long run. It’s important that you hold onto all documentation, medical and otherwise, and that you keep seeking the necessary medical treatment. Make sure that you don’t admit guilt to anyone, but speak with Alabama truck accident attorneys who can let you know what your next steps should be.
Need a Norris?
If you or your loved ones have suffered the devastation of an overloaded truck accident in Alabama, you may deserve financial compensation for your injuries. You may be able to pursue not only the cost of property damage and medical bills but also your lost wages and compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced.
Your chances of success increase with experienced, dedicated legal support. The personal injury attorneys at Norris Injury Lawyers are dedicated to providing quality legal representation and fighting diligently on your behalf so that you can focus on what’s most important after a truck accident – healing.
To take the next step toward securing top-notch representation, fill out an online case evaluation form or call a truck accident attorney at (800) 477-7510 today for a free consultation. Don’t wait until it’s too late – we’re standing by to stand up for you.
