Overweight and Overloaded Trucks

A recent study reported that approximately 30 percent of 18-wheeler and tractor-trailer trucks in the United States were overweight and overloaded. If a truck is overweight and overloaded, it is also more likely to be involved in an accident. A truck that is too heavy for its frame is more likely to be unable to brake, tip over and take up more space on the road. Our Lafayette truck accident lawyers are available to pursue compensation for people who have been struck by overweight or overloaded trucks.

Overweight and overloaded trucks violate state and federal regulations. However, when the government catches truckers violating the law, the consequences are minimal. In fact, many companies knowingly violate the law under the belief that the economic benefit of overloading a truck is worth the legal consequences, which is typically only a fine. States sometimes issue special permits to trucking companies, allowing these companies to occasionally overload their trucks.

Based in Lafayette, Broussard, David & Moroux’s truck accident attorneys have years of experience representing truck accident victims and their families. Our lawyers have the expertise required to prove that a trucking company intentionally or negligently violated federal and state laws and regulations.

Reasons why overweight and overloaded trucks are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents:

• The added weight can cause tire blowouts.
• Overloaded cargo is less secure and more likely to fly off and create road hazards.
• Overweight trucks are more likely to tip over in an accident because the weight is typically not evenly distributed.
• A heavier truck requires more time to stop or to react in an emergency situation.
• An overweight truck is more difficult to steer and control.
• The added weight can cause bridges and roads to collapse.

An accident with an overweight and overloaded truck is almost always fatal. A government study found that overweight trucks can weigh between 80 and 85 tons. The average mid-sized car weighs about two tons. The immense size and weight of these trucks can immediately crush a victim or cause devastating injuries such as spinal injuries and paraplegia.

If you or a loved one were involving in a truck accident with an overloaded or overweight truck, a Lafayette truck accident attorney can evaluate your legal claims. Our lawyers at Broussard, David & Moroux are committed to obtaining justice for truck accident victims and their families. To schedule a free initial consultation with a truck accident lawyer in the Lafayette area, contact Broussard, David & Moroux at 888-337-2323 (toll-free) or 337-233-2323 (local).