Philadelphia Overloaded Truck Crash Lawyers

Overloaded Semi Tractor Trailer Crash

Semi tractor trailers greatly increase the risk of a serious injury or fatal Pennsylvania traffic accident due their immense size and weight. This risk is compounded when overloading is involved. Overloaded large trucks pose a dangerous safety hazard to occupants of other, smaller, vehicles on the road, even more so than they would normally. Common actions, such as braking and turning, can be adversely affected by loading a truck with more weight than it can safely, and legally, handle. Overloading a big rig, 18-wheeler, or tractor-trailer is common practice for trucking companies that are trying to increase their profits, unfortunately at the expense of traffic safety.

Federal Weight Standards

National commercial truck weight standards are set by the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Freight Management and Operations department and apply to all commercial vehicles that use the U.S. Interstate Highway System. These regulations were created in order to maintain safe highways, both for the road itself and for others traveling on the road. These standards not only regulate the gross weight of the trucks, but also how the weight is distributed.

According to FHWA standards:

• The gross maximum weight of a commercial vehicle cannot surpass 80,000 pounds;
• The allowable maximum weight on a single axle is 20,000 pounds;
• The allowable maximum weight on a tandem axle, or a group of two or more axles positioned closely together, is 34,000 pounds, although the size of the vehicle is also considered; and
• The maximum allowable wheel load is either the load limit as determined by the tire manufacturer, or a load of 620 pounds per lateral inch of tire width, as determined by the tire manufacturer.

Although there are weigh stations along the highway where officials inspect trucks for weight and cargo violations, this enforcement is usually not enough to keep overloaded trucks off the road. Not following federal and state regulations and overloading the tractor trailer causes more wear and tear on the highways and puts the structural integrity of the vehicle and its components at risk.

Consequences of Overloading Big Rigs

Commercial truck weight limits are in place for the safety of both truck operators and other motorists. When a truck operator or trucking company overloads a semi truck, they create the following problems:

• Longer braking distances and braking times;
• Extra weight and pressure on tires;
• More stress on the engine;
• Difficulty in negotiating turns; and
• Higher center of gravity.

Types of Overloaded Tractor Trailer Accidents

Not only will increased wear and tear on the truck and the road result in increased spending on truck and road maintenance, but this will also increase the risk of the following types of crashes:

• Runaway tractor trailer accidents;
• Truck rollover accidents;
• Tire blow out accidents;
• Bridge or overpass collapse accidents; and
• Jackknife truck accidents.

Any of these accidents can cause serious injury, permanent disability, or even death to an occupant of a smaller passenger vehicle, which, in turn, may result in undue financial and emotional burdens for the victim and/or their family.

Holding Negligent Trucking Companies Liable

State and federal laws and regulations are in place for a reason. When a truck operator or trucking company overloads semi trucks, illegally, for financial gain, they are being reckless and negligent and should be held responsible for the pain and suffering they cause. At Anapol Schwartz, our skilled Philadelphia overloaded truck crash attorneys have years of experience in truck litigation and can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of companionship and other damages. To speak to one of our knowledgeable attorneys about your potential claim, contact us today at (866) 735-2792 for a free consultation.

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