Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents in Cranford

Heavy commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, are challenging to control without cargo, and when they are over the allowable weight, their chance of crashing increases significantly. The additional weight makes the vehicles more challenging to steer, control, and stop.

Overweight trucks are more likely to be involved in collisions and cause more stress on roadways, bridges, and other infrastructure. Federal and state laws regulate the maximum weight limits, and those who are injured in an overweight truck crash can work with a hard-working truck accident attorney to seek compensation. Contact a lawyer skilled in overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Cranford for more information.

Trucking Industry Weight Restrictions

Weight restrictions in the trucking industry prevent collisions, improve roadway safety, and preserve infrastructure. Overweight trucks put excessive stress on roads, leading to cracks, potholes, and frequent repairs. They can also cause overpasses and bridges to collapse, causing unnecessary harm to the public.

The maximum gross weight of all commercial vehicles is 80,000 pounds unless the driver obtains an overweight permit, which they must apply for through the state before traveling on roadways. Truckers, their employers, and related companies can face harsh penalties, such as steep fines and operation restrictions for non-compliance.

Causes of Overweight Truck Crashes

Some of the common causes of overweight truck crashes include:

• The increased pressure and heat generation make overloaded trucks more prone to tire blowouts
• The additional weight dramatically increases the distance and time 18-wheelers require to stop
• Brake system malfunction or failure resulting from the extra weight and additional stress on the mechanical parts
• The weight reduces handling capability substantially, making it harder to maneuver and navigate turns or avoid obstacles
• The higher center of gravity increases the chance of rolling over, and an overloaded truck is more likely to tip over while maneuvering curves
• Improperly loaded cargo can cause unequal weight distribution and instability, leading to a loss of control of the vehicle while traveling on roads and highways

An attorney knowledgeable about overloaded/overweight truck crashes in Cranford could answer questions and help navigate the challenging process to obtain a fair settlement amount.

Regulation Enforcement

Failure to adhere to state safety rules and traffic laws can result in harsh penalties, depending on the severity of the violation. The state’s Division of State Police, Department of Law and Public Safety enforces federal and state trucking industry regulations.

These include truck operator qualifications, hours of service, maintenance requirements, transporting hazardous material, and size and weight restrictions. That includes vehicle size, weight limits, and special permit requirements. Enforcement includes:

• Conducting roadside inspections to ensure compliance with safety rules and regulations
• Performing compliance reviews, carrier investigations, and safety audits
• Investigating accidents to determine the cause and whether violations contributed to the collisions
• Providing training programs and educational resources to promote trucking and highway safety
• Hazardous materials and Commercial Carrier Unit inspections to ensure compliance with the safety regulations
• Oversees the Mobile Safe Freight Unit and handles the safety and motor coach operations audits

A lawyer skilled at handling cases resulting from Cranford overloaded and overweight truck crashes could collect and analyze crucial evidence to determine the cause and liable party.

Schedule a Consultation with a Skilled Attorney in Cranford for More About Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents

Large vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, are challenging to handle and operate safely in the best circumstances. When a driver, trucking companies, or businesses shipping cargo fail to adhere to federal and state safety regulations, they place the operator and everyone traveling near them at unnecessary risk for severe crashes.

Collisions involving 18-wheelers can have life-altering and catastrophic consequences for everyone involved. Contact a diligent lawyer experienced with handling cases resulting from overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Cranford when you need help with a case.