Accidents Caused by Overloaded Trucks in Columbia, SC
Semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles are already larger and heavier than passenger cars, which makes them difficult to operate safely. When someone overloads a truck, such handling difficulties get even worse and make a collision even more likely. Such crashes frequently cause catastrophic injuries and substantial financial losses for injured drivers and passengers.
Did you sustain injuries in this kind of collision? A Columbia overloaded accident lawyer at Stewart Law Offices can help you get the money you need to rebuild your life. We have over 25 years of experience defending the rights of South Carolina’s injured and can help you hold the responsible parties accountable for your losses.
Our law firm has won significant cases for our clients, including a recent $3.5 million tractor-trailer accident settlement.* We’re available to answer your questions or concerns 24/7, and you don’t owe us any fees unless we win your case. Call now or complete our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation and case review.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help If You’re Hurt in an Overloaded Truck Accident
If you sustained injuries in a crash with an overloaded truck, a truck accident lawyer in Columbia can help you by:
- Investigating the Accident – A Columbia overloaded accident attorney can gather evidence, such as truck weight records, maintenance logs, and crash scene photos, to prove overloading caused the crash.
- Identifying Liable Parties – Your lawyer can review the evidence to determine if the trucking company, driver, or cargo loaders are responsible for the overloaded truck and the resulting accident.
- Looking for Evidence of Negligence – Your attorney can look for any violations of federal or state truck weight restrictions to strengthen your case.
- Communicating with Insurers – An experienced truck accident lawyer can negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement to cover your injuries and other losses from the improperly loaded truck crash.
- Calculating Your Losses – A truck accident lawyer can assess all your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, to maximize the value of your claim.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Needed – If settlement negotiations fail, your lawyer can enforce your rights by taking your case to court and handling all the legal procedures in a civil trial.
What Are the Dangers of Overloaded Trucks?
When trucks carry more weight than they are designed to handle, their braking systems can struggle to stop the vehicle effectively, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. The added weight also makes the truck harder to control, particularly during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers, which can lead to rollovers or jackknife accidents.
Overloaded cargo can shift unexpectedly, causing the truck to become unbalanced and veer out of its lane. Additionally, the strain on the truck’s tires increases the likelihood of blowouts, which can result in debris on the road or make truck operators lose control.
The risks of overloaded trucks are further compounded by increased wear and tear on critical components, such as brakes and suspension systems. More wear and tear on these components often leads to equipment failures. Finally, the sheer size and weight of these vehicles amplify the severity of accidents, making life-altering or fatal injuries more likely.
How Overloaded Trucks Cause Crashes
Overloaded trucks can cause crashes in several ways.
For example, rollovers are a common result when an overloaded truck takes a turn too quickly or encounters uneven road surfaces, as the top-heavy nature of the truck increases the risk of it tipping over. If an overloaded truck tips over, it can crush nearby vehicles or block multiple lanes of traffic, potentially causing secondary crashes with vehicles behind the truck.
Tire blowouts are another frequent issue for overloaded trucks, as the extra weight puts excessive pressure on the tires, causing them to fail and creating dangerous debris on the road.
Catastrophic equipment failures, such as brake malfunctions, can also occur when a truck’s braking system can’t handle the added stress. This can lead to runaway trucks that collide with other vehicles or roadside structures. Overloaded cargo is prone to shifting during transit, which can cause the truck to swerve unpredictably or lose its load onto the roadway.
Finally, jackknife accidents are also a risk, as the additional weight can cause the truck’s trailer to swing out of alignment with the cab during sudden braking or sharp maneuvers.
Federal and State Regulations on Truck Weights
State and federal regulations on truck weights are complicated, as they depend on the number of axles the truck has, the truck’s length, how many vehicles make up the tractor-trailer combination, and other factors. Broadly speaking, the most important state and federal weight regulations for commercial trucks are:
Federal Regulations
- Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight – 80,000 pounds on the Interstate Highway System.
- Axle Weight Limits – 20,000 pounds per single axle and 34,000 pounds per tandem axle.
- Exceptions – States may issue permits for overweight trucks carrying non-divisible loads under specific conditions.
State Regulations
- Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight for a Combination of Vehicles – 55,000 pounds for vehicles with three axles, 70,000 pounds for four axles, 90,000 pounds for five axles, 110,000 pounds for six axles, and 130,000 pounds for seven axles.
- Axle Weight Limits – 20,000 per single axle, 40,000 pounds per tandem axle, and 60,000 pounds per tridem or quad axle (subject to engineering review for weights exceeding this limit).
- Permit Requirements – Loads exceeding these limits require a South Carolina Oversize/Overweight (OSOW) permit.
Who Is Responsible If a Truck Is Overloaded?
Truck operators, trucking companies, and cargo loaders all share responsibility for following truck weight limits and making sure a truck’s load is properly balanced. Responsibility for a Columbia overloaded truck accident depends on which of these parties didn’t follow the rules or engaged in unsafe behavior.
For example, a truck driver might be responsible for a crash if they didn’t adjust their behavior to account for a particularly heavy load. Similarly, a trucking company or cargo loader who broke state or federal weight restrictions could be liable for a crash if their actions made the truck unsafe to handle.
A Columbia overloaded truck accident lawyer can investigate the crash to determine who’s liable for your injuries.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer for Help with Your Claim
Our attorneys have extensive experience with truck accident cases in Columbia and can provide the legal guidance you need in your fight for fair compensation. Call Stewart Law Offices now or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation with a Columbia overloaded truck accident lawyer.