Long Beach Overloaded Truck Accident Attorney
The Dangerous Gamble of Overloading a Semi-Truck in Long Beach
Overloading a truck is a dangerous practice for a trucking company to deploy for increasing profits. By packing a trailer with shipments above state and federal limits, a trucking company risks causing serious accidents. If an accident happens during peak traffic conditions on any California interstate highways, an overloaded truck accident can cause extensive damage to both people and public roads.
Trucking companies may make more money in the short run by illegally overpacking shipments, but they can face overloaded truck accident liability if their irresponsible behavior caused injury to you after a crash.
If you were injured by a negligent truck driver or company, attorney Joseph H. Low IV will craft and deliver your story of how they caused your accident. From the truck loading facility to the scene of your incident, his firm will uncover careless actions and procedures by those responsible so that you can obtain full compensation you deserve.
Contact The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV today at (562) 901-0840 or toll-free at (888) 454-5569 to get a free consultation with a California overloaded truck attorney.
Weight Requirements for Semi-Trucks in California
California trucking regulations have specific limits regarding weight for legal truck access through the state:
- A semi-truck cannot exceed 80,000 pounds.
- A single axle of a semi-truck cannot exceed 20,000 pounds.
- Weight on a single axle cannot exceed 20,000 pounds.
- Wheels supporting one end of an axle cannot exceed 10,500 pounds.
One exception to these requirements may include truck drivers with a Legal Truck Overweight Permit. Even under this special circumstance, truckers with permits may still be at-fault for causing a collision if it is discovered that they committed any specific violations and did not take the proper precautions to avoid injuring you.
In addition to California’s limits, these large vehicles are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Administration regulations. Semi-trucks also have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating issued by the vehicle manufacturer with precise information on the vehicle’s maximum weight capability when fully loaded.
Types of Accidents Due to An Overloaded Truck
Overloading puts strain on an entire tractor-trailer. It makes a massive vehicle an even greater accident risk on California freeways and roads. Some of the possible outcomes caused by an overloaded truck include:
- Jackknifing
- Rollover crashes
- Blown out tires
- Brake system failure
- Axle strain
- Spilled cargo on the road
- Dangerous downhill speeding
- Stalled uphill travel
- Road and bridge collapses
Who Can Be Found Liable for an Overloaded Truck?
Semi-truck accidents on California roads cause frequent and severe injuries, and even multiple fatalities every year. During an investigation, it may be revealed that multiple parties were responsible for your injuries. They can include:
- The truck company who may have instructed crews to overload a truck
- The truck driver who may have engaged in unsafe speeds with an overloaded truck
- The crews who overlooked how much cargo they loaded onto a truck
Speak with a Long Beach Truck Crash Lawyer Today
The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV will investigate your overloaded truck accident and will hold any at-fault parties accountable to go after your full and rightful compensation. This includes:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income due to an inability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical expenses and therapy
- Any loss of future earnings
Trucking companies will try to evade the weight of their full responsibility after an overloaded truck accident. Their insurance companies will attempt to negotiate a settlement lighter than your rightful compensation. Joseph H. Low IV is a trial lawyer who knows how these powerful interests work, and he will not back down from taking them and others who played a role in your injuries to the courtroom. Call the firm today at (562) 901-0840 and toll-free (888) 454-5569 to schedule a free consultation with a California personal injury lawyer.