Northern California Overloaded Truck Accident Attorneys
Northern California Overloaded Truck Accidents
Overloaded and overweight trucks are a dangerous hazard to other, smaller, vehicles on the road. When a truck is carrying more weight than it can safely handle, even common actions, such as braking, can be affected. Increased weight increases the force of any collision involving an overloaded truck, making an overloaded truck accident especially dangerous and potentially deadly. Overloading a semi, big rig, 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer is common for truck companies that are trying to make an extra profit; however, it is at the expense of motorist safety. The Northern California overloaded truck accident injury attorneys at Estey Bomberger have years of experience with truck accident litigation and are committed to recovering maximum compensation for injured truck accident victims. Overloading is a negligent act by truck drivers and trucking companies as well as a violation of state and federal commercial vehicle weight limits.
Federal and California State Commercial Vehicle Standards
National weight standards, set by the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Freight Management and Operations department, apply to all commercial vehicles traveling on the Interstate Highway System. States can set their own weight standards on their roads not part of the Interstate system.
Commercial truck weight regulations do not simply concern the total weight of the cargo-loaded truck, but also the weight distribution over the axles and wheels. In California:
- The maximum gross weight of a commercial vehicle cannot exceed 80,000 pounds
- The maximum weight limit on a single axle is 20,000 pounds
- The maximum weight limit on a tandem axle, a group of two or more axles situated closely together, is 34,000 pounds; however, the size of the vehicle is a factor and
- The maximum wheel load limit is either the load limit imposed by the tire manufacturer, or a load of 620 pounds per lateral inch of tire width, as determined by the tire manufacturer.
There are weigh stations along the highway where trucks must stop and be checked for weight and cargo violations; however, this does not keep overloaded and overweight trucks off the road. Not following these regulations and overloading the truck, endangers the structural integrity of the vehicle as well as the safety of other motorists on the roadway.
Causes of California Overloaded Truck Accidents
Commercial truck weight limits, and speed limits, are in place to ensure that a truck driver can safely transport his cargo across roadways shared by smaller vehicles. Overloading a truck affects the truck's and the driver's performance on the road, which can result in a Northern California truck accident. An overloaded truck can experience any or all of the following issues:
- Out of control downhill speeds
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Longer stopping distance
- Rollovers, due to higher center of gravity and
- Bridge or overpass collapse.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a California overloaded truck accident due to any of the above overweight truck scenarios, you may be entitled to compensation for costs associated with your injuries. Truck drivers, trucking companies and/or truck loading companies can be held liable for your financial losses.
What the Legal System Can Do For You
A knowledgeable Northern California overloaded truck accident attorney of the Estey Bomberger law firm, can inform you of your legal rights and options. Our dedicated Northern California personal injury lawyers will work professionally and compassionately to ensure just compensation for your injuries and an easier recovery process. Please call our office today at (800) 890-6722 for a no-cost confidential consultation. We are committed to advocating for truck accident victims and as such, you are never under any obligation to hire us.