Aside from violating state and federal regulations, overloading trucks creates unsafe vehicles which pose a threat to those around them. Overloaded trucks are among the leading causes of truck accidents, as overweight cargo makes it more difficult for the driver to keep control over the truck. Weight limits exist for a reason, and if a truck is overloaded, it requires an increase in braking distance, which drivers can misjudge. Tire failure rates are also higher when the size of a load increases. Also, overloaded trucks are easily at risk of rolling over due to possible load shifts while on the road, which may cause a major traffic accident resulting in injuries or even fatalities.
Those injured in truck accidents caused by overloading may face hospitalization, surgeries, therapy and medication. Victims of truck accidents may be left with fractures, internal injuries, TBI’s, spinal cord injuries or disabled. It is extremely important to establish negligence in truck accident cases, determining what was in the truck at the time of an accident, as well as the last time it was weighed may contribute in the investigation of an accident. In the event of an accident caused by an overloaded truck, the employee who completed the loading may be responsible. Trucking companies may also be liable for negligence if the companies policies led to the truck being overloaded, or if inadequate supervision led to the overloading.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, and believe the accident was a result of negligence on the part of the driver or trucking company, contact a Broward truck accident attorney at Darfoor Law Firm at 1-833-DARFOOR for a free consultation to discuss potential compensation available to you.