Truck accidents sometimes have obvious causes, such as bad weather or blown-out tires. In other cases, however, determining the cause of a truck accident is trickier. One danger that many people overlook is the weight, cargo loading, and distribution of a truck’s freight. This can be far more hazardous than it seems, because the truck’s load can make the vehicle harder to control and stop.
At Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers, our team regularly litigates truck accident claims, including claims related to overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Savannah. Our skilled truck accident attorneys can recognize the telltale signs of such accidents and work diligently to prove negligence and help clients recover fair compensation.
Heavier Trucks Increase the Risk and Severity of Crashes
Federal and state regulations limit the weight of commercial vehicles to reduce undue wear and tear on roads and to prevent accidents. However, it is tempting for trucking companies to overload trucks to save on costs, or to load cargo quickly and haphazardly to save time. Both of these practices are problematic and increase the risk of a crash for several reasons.
Braking Issues
Brakes are designed to stop a truck within mandated weight limits. When trucks are too heavy, the brakes can wear out more quickly and fail suddenly. Even if they do stop the vehicle, it will take longer and require more distance to bring a heavier truck to a stop.
Tire Blowouts and Mechanical Failures
Excess weight stresses a truck’s tires, axles, suspension, and steering systems. A truck then requires more frequent repairs and is at a higher risk of a catastrophic failure. If a tire blows out at 65 miles per hour, it is very difficult for a truck driver to stop the overloaded vehicle without causing a crash on a Savannah highway.
Rollovers and Steering Issues
Heavier trucks are harder to steer, especially in an emergency. If weight is distributed unevenly or the cargo is not properly secured, a truck is also at a higher risk of rolling over when taking sharp turns or when traveling on a highway cloverleaf exit.
Increased Risk of Jackknife Accidents
When a truck is overweight, especially with improperly distributed cargo, the trailer can push the cab during braking or cause the vehicle to fishtail. This often leads to jackknifing, where the trailer swings around at an acute angle to the cab, blocking multiple lanes of traffic and creating catastrophic multi-vehicle pileups.
What Does It Mean for a Truck Accident Attorney To Be Trial-Ready?
Some personal injury firms focus on quick settlements and servicing a high volume of clients. That is the opposite of our approach. We are a team of trial lawyers, which means we are ready to take your lawsuit before a jury if the trucking company and insurer refuse to negotiate a fair settlement.
Trucking accident investigations can be highly complex and time-consuming. Attorneys must have the experience, knowledge, and resources to gather and analyze information, then present it in a way that is easy for a jury to understand. Our attorneys have these qualities. Our Savannah team also knows how to calculate and demonstrate the full costs of the injuries and losses you sustained due to an overweight truck collision.
Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers is not a settlement mill. Our firm works with a limited number of clients, so we can give each case the full attention and time it deserves. If a trial becomes necessary, we are more than ready. Reach out to learn more.
Contact our Savannah Attorneys for Help After an Overweight Truck Crash
At Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers, we want you to feel informed and confident in your choice of attorney. We offer free initial consultations to all prospective clients, including victims of overloaded/overweight truck accidents.
To learn more about your legal options and how we can help, contact our Savannah overloaded truck accident attorneys today to schedule your free case evaluation.
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