Maryland Overloaded Truck Accident Lawyer

Overloaded Truck Accident

Big rigs are very large and very heavy vehicles, which is why accidents involving these vehicles are so dangerous. The threat of serious injury or death, not to mention the likelihood of being involved in a crash, increases when a truck is overloaded. Overloaded semi trucks are a safety hazard to other motorists. Everyday maneuvers, such as turning, changing lanes, and braking, may become significantly more difficult, and wear and tear on the tires, suspension, engine, and brakes can increase the likelihood of equipment failure and overheating. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes weight limits for commercial trucks for those very reasons. Trucking companies sometimes ignore these weight restrictions, however, for the sake of transporting more cargo and maximizing profits.

Commercial Motor Vehicle Weight Limits

All commercial motor vehicles (CMV) that traverse the U.S. Interstate Highway System are required to obey the weight restrictions set by the Freight Management and Operations division of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). These limits were set to maintain safety on U.S. highways, both for motorists and for the road itself, and any violation of these standards is against the law:

• Gross maximum weight of a CMV must not exceed 80,000 pounds;
• Maximum weight on a single axle is 20,000 pounds;
• Maximum weight on a tandem axle is 34,000 pounds, although the size of the vehicle is a determining factor; and
• Maximum wheel load is either the load limit established by the tire manufacturer, or 620 pounds per lateral inch of tire width, as determined by the tire manufacturer.

Types of Overloaded Semi Truck Crashes

The overloading of a truck compromises a truck driver's ability to safely operate the vehicle, as well as compromises the truck's tires, brakes, and other equipment. Furthermore, an extra-heavy truck can cause road damage or instability. These overloading effects may result in various types of accidents, including runaway trailer crashes, rollover crashes, overpass or bridge collapses, and/or jackknife crashes. Any of these accidents may cause catastrophic injury, disability, or even death to the occupants of smaller vehicles.

Protecting Maryland Accident Victims

Overloading a tractor trailer is illegal and dangerous. At Alpert Schreyer, our Bethesda overloaded truck accident lawyers are committed to helping injured victims hold negligent trucking companies or truck owners accountable for the damages and losses they've suffered as the result of an accident, including medical bills, lost wages from time off work, permanent disability, as well as pain and suffering. A trucking company's disregard of public safety for financial gain is inexcusable. Our clients are our priority, and we will work diligently to obtain the compensation you and your family deserve. If you have been injured in a Maryland truck crash, call us today for a free consultation at 1 (800) 489-1577.